INTER-SCAPULAR BOLSTER
A back support for supporting at least a portion of the back of a user is provided. The back support includes a backrest and an inter-scapular bolster. The backrest has a lumbar support that is shaped to engage the lumbar region of the user and to urge the lumbar spine of the user towards a neutral curve. The inter-scapular bolster has a bolster body. The bolster body is connected to the backrest and is positioned for engaging the user between the scapulae, wherein the bolster body has a bottom that is positioned to engage the user no lower than approximately the lower edge of the T8 vertebra of the user.
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This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 60/666,764, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to posture support devices and more particularly to posture support devices for use with portable and/or permanent backrests for chairs and seats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is generally recognized that poor posture can lead to several painful conditions over time. To assist in preventing poor posture several manufacturers have developed backrests for chairs and seats, which are intended to improve the posture of the user. However, there remains a need for further improvements in backrests to assist the user in maintaining good posture while seated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn a first aspect, the invention is directed to a back support for supporting at least a portion of the back of a user. The back support includes a backrest and an inter-scapular bolster. The backrest has a lumbar support that is shaped to engage the lumbar region of the user and to urge the lumbar spine of the user towards a neutral curve. The inter-scapular bolster has a bolster body. The bolster body is connected to the backrest and is positioned for engaging the user between the scapulae, wherein the bolster body has a bottom that is positioned to engage the user no lower than approximately the lower edge of the T8 vertebra of the user.
In a second aspect, the invention is directed to an inter-scapular bolster for positioning between the scapulae of a user. The bolster includes a bolster body. The bolster body is connectable to a backrest at a support position for engaging the user between the scapulae. The bolster body has a bottom. When the bolster body is in the support position, the bottom of the bolster body is positioned to engage the user no lower than approximately the lower edge of the T8 vertebra of the user.
In a third aspect, the invention is directed to a back support for supporting at least a portion of the back of a user. The back support includes a backrest and an inter-scapular bolster. The backrest has a lumbar support that is shaped to engage the lumbar region of the user and to urge the lumbar spine of the user towards a neutral curve. The bolster includes a bolster body that is connected to the backrest and is positioned generally for alignment with the centerline of the back of the user. The bolster body is less than approximately 4″ wide. The bolster body has a bottom that is positioned to engage the user no lower than approximately the lower edge of the T8 vertebra of the user.
In a fourth aspect, the invention is directed to an inter-scapular bolster that is positionable at a suitable height with respect to the back of the user, that is sized to fit between the scapulae of the user, and that, in use, urges the shoulder joints of the user rearward and adducts the scapulae.
The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
For purposes of clarity the terms ‘circumference’ and ‘effective circumference’ are used herein to refer to the distance around the perimeter of an object or a portion of the human body, even though the object or the body portion may not be perfectly circular.
Reference is made to
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The first rib is shown at 26a in
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Several neurovascular structures pass underneath the pectoralis minor tendon 47, including the brachial plexus and the axillo-subclavian artery and vein. These neurovascular structures are identified at 27.
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In a slouched, or round-shouldered, position, the body, and in particular, the spine 24 no longer has an S-shaped configuration. As a result, pressure is distributed between the vertebrae and the discs of the spine 24 in such a way as to urge the discs to bulge, which can, over time, lead to several problems, which are known to persons skilled in the art.
A round-shouldered posture may be acquired as a result of lifestyle and/or occupation. For example, in some types of employment, a person 10 uses their pectoral muscles 45 and 74 (
As a result of the relatively poorly opposed pull of the pectorals 45 and 74, the scapula 22 becomes abducted, and thus moves outwards laterally, as shown in
It will be understood that, when compression of the neurovascular structures 44 is said to take place between the clavicle 30 and the first rib 26a, one or both of the clavicle 30 and the first rib 26a might not be in direct contact with the structures 44 that are being compressed. Other elements such as the subclavian muscle or the infraspinatus which are present in the gap may be involved in the compression.
Compression of the neurovascular structures 44 can lead to several of the ailments noted above. For example, as a result of the compression of the vascular structures that are included in the neurovascular structures 44, the resistance to fluid flow in these vascular structures increases, which results in dilation of certain veins and tributaries, and increased arterial vascular resistance due at least in part to the slowed venous flow. The consequences of venous congestion and increased arterial resistance are well known in the form of edema and ischemia first in the areas of greatest vascular impairment and later in other body regions also. Numerous ailments can result from this condition of compressed neurovascular structures 44, including, for example, migraine headaches, facial pressure, neck pain, hand and arm pain and numbness, coldness of the hands, some forms of non-radicular leg pain and intermittent numbness.
As a result of its connection with the sternum 28, the rearward movement of the first or proximal end 35 of the clavicle 30 causes the sternum 28 (and in particular, the manubrium sternum) to move rearwardly along with it, thus reducing the distance between the manubrium sternum and the anterior border of the body of T3 (the third thoracic vertebra).
In certain types of people 10 this reduction in the aforementioned diameter can lead to one or more difficulties. For example, individuals with a thin, narrow thorax tend to have a relatively straight cervical and thoracic spinal, saggital alignment. In such people, a loss of cervical lordosis and flattening of the thoracic kyphosis leads to a closer approximation of the posterior surface of the manubrium sternum to the anterior border of the body of the third thoracic vertebra. For example, in some people this distance may be less than approximately 5 cm (2 inches). With the proximal ends 35 of the clavicles 30 urged rearwardly as described above, this distance may be reduced to approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) to 3.8 cm (1.5 inches). This is especially true at the head of the first rib 26a which sits deeper into the thorax than the other ribs 26. This positioning of the first rib 26a permits it to compress particular veins, such as the brachiocephalic vein. Other people 10 who may be prone to incurring difficulties from the reduced ‘diameter’ include individuals who have pectus excavatum, individuals who have thoracic scoliosis, individuals who have a loss of cervical lordosis in general, and/or individuals who are obese.
In addition to causing the rotation of the clavicle 30 in the horizontal plane, the movement of the scapula 30 as a result of deconditioning can also cause a rotation of the clavicle 30 generally about its own length in a clockwise direction from a viewpoint facing the side of the left shoulder of the person 10, and in a counterclockwise direction from a viewpoint facing the side of the right shoulder of the wearer 10. Due to the configuration of the clavicle 30, this rotation further narrows the gap between the clavicle 30 and the first rib 26a, thereby adding to the compression of the neurovascular structures 44 that pass therethrough.
In addition to the above, deconditioning of the stabilizer muscles of the scapula 22 can also lead to ‘non-neurogenic winging’ of the scapula 22. Non-neurogenic winging of the scapula 22 refers to an outward movement of the medial edge of the scapula 22 away from the plane of the back 18, however, it is not caused by damage to the long thoracic nerve, which is the typical cause of neurogenic winging. Non-neurogenic winging is instead the result of the weakened state of the stabilizer muscles that hold the medial edge of the scapula 22 down in the plane of the back 18.
Non-neurogenic winging of the scapula 22 causes a rotary torque to be exerted on the acromioclavicular joint 42, which in turn causes a downward movement of the clavicle 30. This downward movement of the clavicle 30 further reduces the size of the gap, and therefore exacerbates the problem of compression of the neurovascular structures 44 that pass therethrough.
Additionally, in situations where drooping of the scapula 22 occurs as a result of deconditioning, the coracoid process 43 and, in turn, the pectoralis minor tendon 47 may be lowered relative to their normal position, whereby the pectoralis minor tendon 47 compresses the neurovascular structures 27 that pass underneath. Compression of these structures 27 results in many of the same ailments as compression of the structures 44 that pass underneath the clavicles 30.
It will be noted that movement of the scapulae 22 can impart movement to the ribs 26 by way of their connection to the ribs 26 through the scapular stabilizer muscles. Abduction of the scapulae 22, as shown in
Backrests for chairs are available that provide lumbar support, which urges the lumbar portion 24l of the spine 24 towards a neutral curve, thereby generally urging a person towards a more upright sitting position. However, for several reasons, including for example, pectoral predominance that exists in many people, the scapulae 22 remain abducted even when sitting in a chair with lumbar support.
Reference is made to
The lumbar portion 106 engages the lumbar portion 24l of the user 10. In a central vertical sectional plane shown in
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Preferably, the lumbar portion 106 of the backrest 102 is concave when viewed in a horizontal sectional plane at any point throughout the height of the lumbar portion 106 to further assist in stabilizing the user 10 and not just in the horizontal sectional plane shown in
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When viewed in a horizontal sectional plane taken at the apex 114 (
Preferably, the thoracic portion 108 of the backrest 102 is flat when viewed in a horizontal sectional plane at any point throughout the height of the portion of the thoracic portion 108 that is above the apex 114 to further assist in avoiding obstruction of movement of the arms of the user 10.
Based on the described possible shapes for the lumbar and thoracic portions 106 and 108, their combined shape in the central vertical sectional plane may be a relatively gentle S-shape (best seen in
The lumbar and thoracic portions 106 and 108 of the backrest 102 may be similar to the lumbar and thoracic portions of the backrest described in copending U.S. provisional patent application 60/734,273, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to
The cushion layer 117 may be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, egg-crate foam rubber (also referred to as polyurethane foam). The egg-crate foam may, for example, have a total thickness of 28 mm with a 10 mm base and a 18 mm egg crate pattern on top of the base. A density of 34 kg/m3 may be used for the foam rubber.
The backrest 102 may be a portable item that mounts to a preexisting chair, so that the backrest 102 may be transported for use on chairs in different locations, such as, for example, a chair at home and a chair at work. In such an embodiment, the backrest 102 may attach to the chair by any suitable means. For example, the backrest 102 may include backrest attachment straps 119 (see
As an alternative, the backrest 102 may be non-portable, and may itself make up the backrest of a chair. In that case, the backrest 102 need not include attachment straps 119.
The inter-scapular bolster 104 (
The bolster body 111 has a top 118 and a bottom 120. The overall length of the bolster body 111 between the top 118 and bottom 120 is shown at L (see
It is optionally possible for the bolster 104 to include a less-functional portion 200 that extends below the T8 vertebra, but that does not extend out sufficiently from the backrest 102 to cause substantial discomfort to the user 10 (see
By engaging the user 10 at or above the lower edge of the T8 vertebra, the bottom 120 of the bolster body 111 is generally not lower than the bottoms of the scapulae 22, also referred to as the inferior poles of the scapulae 22. The bottoms or inferior poles of the scapulae 22 are shown at 123. A line 122 shows the level of the bottom 120 of the bolster body 111 relative to the bottoms 123 of the scapulae 22.
More preferably, the bottom 120 of the bolster body 111 is positioned to engage the user 10 approximately at a height that is within the range of the upper ⅔ of the scapulae 22, as shown by the dashed outline of the bolster body 111 in
Referring to
The bolster body 111 has an overall width W, which is sufficiently small that the sides of the bolster body 111 do not interfere with the adduction of the scapulae 22 when the back of the user 10 is pressed against the bolster body 111 and the user's shoulder joints 34 are urged rearward. Thus, the bolster body 111 fits between the scapulae 22 of the user 10 when the scapulae 22 are in their adducted position as a result of the rearward movement of the shoulder joints 34.
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The transition from the widest section of the bolster body 111 to the thinner section may have any shape, as shown in the exemplary embodiments in
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It will be noted that the internals of the user's body have not been illustrated in
It will be understood that the user 10 may contact the back support 100 over some or all of the distances between the points 128a, 128b and 128c in addition to contacting the back support 100 at the points 128a, 128b and 128c. Alternatively, the user 10 may contact the back support 100 over none of the distances between the aforementioned three contact points.
In addition to the horizontal bracing effect that takes place with the three points of contact 128a, 128b and 128c, bracing additionally can occur in the plane of the user's back 18 depending on the shape of the backrest 102. Referring to
It will be noted that the bracing effect provided by the triangular shape formed by the contact points 128a, 128d and 128e reduces the need to provide the thoracic portion 108 of the backrest 102 with a substantial concavity to hold the user in place when viewed in a horizontal sectional plane.
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The release valve 138 may have any suitable structure. For example, the release valve 138 may comprise a threaded cap 142 that covers an air aperture into the fluid conduit 134. When the cap 142 is screwed tightly over the air aperture, it seals against air leakage out from the conduit 134. When the cap 142 is unscrewed, air can escape from the conduit and therefore from the bladder 132, permitting the bladder 132 to be selectively deflated entirely or partially.
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As shown in
In an alternative construction shown in
Instead of being made inflatable, the bolster body 111 may be made in some other way. For example, the bolster body 111 may be made from a polymeric foam material that is resilient and flexible but which has sufficient rigidity to urge the shoulder joints 34 (
As another alternative, the bolster body 111 may be made from a plurality of separate elements, as shown in
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In an alternative embodiment, shown in
The sleeve 152 in either or both of the embodiments shown in
By providing a bolster 104 with the sleeve 152 (with either an open top such as the top 154 shown in
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When the user 10 is seated against the back support 100 it may be advantageous for the back support 100 to be angled back by some angle Th, which may be, for example, approximately 10 degrees (see
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The rearward movement of the shoulder joint 34 (
Additionally, the movement of the clavicles 30 moves the manubrium sternum forward (anteriorly) increasing the distance, or ‘diameter’ between the manubrium sternum and the anterior border of the body of T3 (the third thoracic vertebra), thereby alleviating (at least in some individuals) compression of certain veins, such as the brachiocephalic vein.
Additionally, the rearward movement of the shoulder joint 34 and any medial movement of the shoulder joint 34 adducts the scapula 22 (moves the scapula 22 medially). The movement of the scapula 22 medially, rotates the clavicle 30 about its own axis in a direction that is clockwise from a viewpoint facing the side of the right shoulder of the wearer 10 and counterclockwise from a viewpoint facing the side of the right shoulder of the wearer 10.
Additionally, the resulting medial movement of the scapula 22 elevates the pectoralis minor tendon 47 (
Additionally, the rearward movement of the shoulders 15 urges the spine 24 of the wearer 10 towards its neutral position, shown in
As a result of the above effects, the back support 100 and the presence of the bolster 104 can be effective in reducing ailments associated with neurovascular compression that has been described above in relation to poor posture and deconditioning. For example, use of the bolster 104 and back support 100 can be effective in reducing migraine headaches associated with poor posture and deconditioning.
The benefits provided by the back support 100 or bolster 104 shown and described herein may not exist for every individual. However, some individuals will receive at least some of the benefits of the back support 100 or bolster 104.
Referring to
In the embodiment shown in
While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to modification and change without departing from the fair meaning of the accompanying claims.
Claims
1. An inter-scapular bolster for positioning between the scapulae of a user, comprising:
- a bolster body, having a bottom and connectable to a backrest at a support position for engaging the user between the scapulae wherein in use, the bolster body urges the user's shoulder joints rearward and adducts the scapulae.
2. An inter-scapular bolster as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the bolster body is in the support position, the lower edge of the bolster body is positioned to engage the user approximately at a height that is within the range of the upper ⅔ of the scapulae of the user.
3. An inter-scapular bolster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bolster body is inflatable.
4. An inter-scapular bolster as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bolster includes a pump and a gas release valve fluidically connected to the bolster body.
5. An inter-scapular bolster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bolster is curved in a vertical plane to urge to the spine of the user towards a neutral curve.
6. An inter-scapular bolster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bolster body is less than approximately 7″ long.
7. A back support for supporting at least a portion of the back of a user, comprising:
- a backrest having a lumbar support, wherein the lumbar support is shaped to engage the lumbar region of the user and to urge the lumbar spine of the user towards a neutral curve; and
- an inter-scapular bolster having a bolster body, wherein the bolster body is connected to the backrest and is positioned for engaging the user between the scapulae, the bolster body in conjunction with the backrest defining a fulcrum urging rotation of the user's clavicle, that has a medial end, in a horizontal plane about the user's acromioclavicular joint, such that the medial end of the clavicle is urged anteriorly,
8. A back support as claimed in claim 7, wherein, when the bolster body is in the support position, the lower edge of the bolster body is positioned to engage the user approximately at a height that is within the range of the upper ⅔ of the scapulae of the user.
9. A back support as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bolster body is inflatable.
10. A back support as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bolster includes a pump and a gas release valve fluidically connected to the bolster body.
11. A back support as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bolster is curved in a vertical plane to urge to the spine of the user towards a neutral curve.
12. A back support as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bolster body is less than approximately 7″ long.
13. A back support for supporting as claimed in claim 7
- wherein the bolster body is positioned generally for alignment with the centerline of the back of the user, wherein the bolster body is less than approximately 4″ wide
14-18. (canceled)
19. An inter-scapular bolster as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the bolster body is in the support position, the bottom of the bolster body is positioned to engage the user no lower than approximately the lower edge of the T8 vertebra of the user.
20. A back support as claimed in claim 7 wherein the bolster body has a bottom that is positioned to engage the user no lower than approximately the lower edge of the T8 vertebra of the user.
21. A back support as claimed in claim 7 wherein the bolster body has a depth that is sufficiently large that the bolster body acts as a fulcrum against which a back of the user rests.
22. A back support as claimed in claim 7 wherein the bolster body has a depth that is sufficiently small to permit both lateral edges of the upper portion of the back of the user to be in contact with the backrest at the same time.
23. A back support as claimed in claim 7 wherein the backrest has a lumbar support that is shaped to engage a lumbar region of the user.
24. A back support as claimed in claim 23 wherein the lumbar support is configured to urge the user's lumbar portion of the spine towards a neutral curve.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 29, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 10, 2011
Applicant: INTEGRAL ORTHOPEDICS INC. (Toronto, ON)
Inventors: Tracy Newkirk (San Rafael, CA), Frederik Wendelboe (Pembroke Pines, FL), Hoi Cheung (Etobicoke)
Application Number: 11/910,130
International Classification: A47C 7/42 (20060101);