Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
  • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
  • A61H1/0292—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the spinal column
  • A61H1/0296—Neck
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
  • A61H2201/0103—Constructive details inflatable
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/1604—Head
  • A61H2201/1607—Holding means therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
  • A61H2201/1659—Free spatial automatic movement of interface within a working area, e.g. Robot
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5064—Position sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5069—Angle sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5071—Pressure sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5084—Acceleration sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5092—Optical sensor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
  • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
  • A61H2203/0443—Position of the patient substantially horizontal
  • A61H2203/0456—Supine
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
  • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
  • A61H2203/0443—Position of the patient substantially horizontal
  • A61H2203/0468—Prone

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to means (namely, an ergonomic cradle) for controlling physiotherapy devices, in particular, for supporting and maneuvering the head and neck of a patient to treat, control, or prevent skeletal or musculoskeletal pain.
• Muscle dysfunction is commonly associated with chronic head and neck pain. Whatever the origin of the pain (trauma, pathology of the cervical spine, etc.), patients frequently develop lateral, anterior and posterior neck muscle activation imbalance, muscle fatigue, muscle shortening, and over-contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles. Subsequently, muscle hyperalgesia and reduced neck range of motion is induced. The hyperalgesia and muscle dysfunction become a vicious cycle. For some patients, mobilization and/or physical therapy are effective, while for other patients, biofeedback relaxation techniques are helpful. In many cases, the therapeutic protocol involves a set of motions that are repeated cyclically. A number of devices have been developed that are designed to provide at least some degree of automation to the therapeutic protocol.
• an inflatable cervical traction/stretch cradle which comprises a hollow inflatable body made of an elastically expandable material; said body including a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows portion; said bellows portion, said shoulder portion and said head portion having aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive and support a user's neck; means, connected to said body, for pumping air into said body and for relieving or releasing air out of said body; and said head portion, said bellows portion and said shoulder portion having an un-inflated condition, a first inflated condition and a second inflated condition where said bellows portion is expanded and acts against and between said head portion and said shoulder portion.
• US patent no. US5752927 titled an "Inflatable cervical traction device” discloses again an inflatable cervical traction device comprising (a) a C- shaped multi-ribbed inflatable hollow collar having four separate chambers, in which two of said chambers are located at rear right and left locations of said collar, while other two of said chambers are located at front right and left locations of said collar; (b) means for securing two opposite front ends of said collar together in a releasable manner to hold said collar about a neck of a person; (c) means for pumping air into said four chambers of said collar, to inflate each of said four chambers at various pressurized amounts, so that said collar can properly support the neck of the person; (d) means for releasing air from said four chambers of said collar, so that said collar can deflate to be easily removed from the neck of the person; (e) a V-shaped mandibular cup; and (f) two sets of hook and loop fasteners for securing said mandib
• US patent no.5916185 titled a "Inflatable cervical traction or stretch device” discloses a cervical traction or stretch device comprising: an inflatable and expandable bladder or bellows having an undulating or pleated wall and a central U-shaped space so that said bladder or bellows can extend at least part way around the neck of a user with said undulating or pleated wall extending transversely of the user's neck; and a pumping mechanism coupled to said bladder or bellows and operable by a user for pumping air into said bladder or bellows for expanding same; said bladder or bellows having an upper side and a lower side; said lower side being constructed and arranged to be positioned adjacent a user's shoulders and exert pressure there against when said bladder or bellows is inflated and expanded; and said upper side being constructed and arranged to engage and exert pressure against the base of a user's head when said bladder or bellows is inflated and expanded.
• All of the above mentioned prior art cervical device are based on the adjustment of the cradle to the patient's head by means of the inflation and deflation of balloons. Furthermore, the movement of the cervical device and thus, the treatment provided is also based on the inflation and deflation of the balloons.
• a cervical device i.e., a cradle
• a cervical device i.e., a cradle
• a simple mechanical mechanism to provide the required treatment to the patients.
• a cradle adapted for holding the treated body or part thereof stably and comfortably;
• the at least one flexible supporting element physically connected to the cradle, the at least one supporting element adapted to support at least a portion of the treated body or part thereof and characterized by at least one retracted configuration, in which the body or part thereof is supported by application of force by the at least one flexible supporting element onto the treated body or part thereof;
• each of the flexible supporting elements is adapted, in a retracted configuration, to apply force and to support at least a portion of the treated body or part thereof according to a support function F(a), F(a) being characterized by a form chosen from a group consisting of (a) F(a) decreases as the bending angle a of the body or part thereof decreases; and (b) F(a) is substantially independent of a.
• the apparatus as defined above, wherein the at least one flexible element is selected from a group consisting of a spring-like element, a balloon-like element, and any combination thereof. It is another object of the present invention to provide the apparatus as defined above, comprising seven flexible supporting elements, each of which is adapted to support at least one cervical vertebra.
• the senor is selected from a group consisting of a position sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a motion sensor, and any combination thereof.
• the senor is selected from a group consisting of a gyroscope, an inclinometer, an accelerometer, an ultrasound sensor, a camera-based detector, and any combination thereof.
• the senor is selected from a group consisting of a position sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a motion sensor, and any combination thereof.
• the senor is selected from a group consisting of a gyroscope, an inclinometer, an accelerometer, an ultrasound sensor, a camera-based detector, and any combination thereof.
• the cradle additionally comprises pressure sensors to measure at least one of the pressure and force the body part is applying in any direction on the interior of the cradle.
• the at least one strap is adjustable and is lockable in position by means of a member of a group consisting of: elasticity in the strap, a ratchet, a pull strap locked by a friction buckle, a pull strap locked by means of a buckle with a tang, a springlike member, and any combination thereof.
• F(a) being characterized by a form chosen from a group consisting of (a) F(a) decreases as the bending angle a of the body or part thereof decreases; and (b) F(a) is substantially independent of a.
• a treatment selected from a group consisting of (a) improvement of neck muscle function; (b) treatment for at least one sleep disorder; (c) increasing neck muscle bulk; (d) improving ROM; and (e) rehabilitating movement of at least one affected body part following an injury.
• FIGs. 1 to 5 present views of embodiments of the present invention
• FIGs 6 to 10 present views of embodiments of the flexible supporting element of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 present views of an embodiments of the arms of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 presents a view of a ball joint in the arm of the present invention
• FIG. 13A-D presents views of an embodiment of a head restraint; the figures illustrate means for establishing the position of the head in real time during treatment;
• FIG. 14A-C presents views of an embodiment of a balloon
• FIG. 15A-D presents a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 16 schematically presents various possible rotations of the head about the sagittal, coronal, and horizontal planes;
• FIG. 17 presents a view of the effect of bending motion on an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 18A-F illustrates, not to scale, various lobular two and three dimensional maneuvers according to a set of possible embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 19A-D illustrates the force (in kg) applied by the flexible supporting elements as a function of the bending angle, a.
• physical therapy session refers to a period of time during which a physical therapy device as defined above is in operation (i.e. performing a physical manipulation on the body of an individual or part thereof.)
• the term "motion of a physical therapy device” refers to the motions of said device that enable or cause manipulation of the patient's body or body part of interest during the physical therapy, and not necessarily to gross motions of the device itself.
• terms such as “increase” or “decrease” of the motion of a physical therapy device can refer to changes in the amplitude, velocity, or acceleration of the motions leading to the manipulation of the body or body part of interest. That is, when the context requires it, it is understood in what follows that the motions of the manipulated body or body part are discussed in terms of the motions of the physical therapy device that lead to such manipulations.
• the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a value within ⁇ 25% of the defined measure.
• the term "cradle” refers to a supporting means for the body of a patient or a part thereof.
• the present invention provides an apparatus for treating a patient's body or a part thereof, by controllably and supportably maneuvering said treated body or part thereof, said apparatus comprising a cradle adapted for holding said treated body or part thereof stably and comfortably; and,
• n flexible supporting elements in communication with said cradle adapted to support at least a portion of said treated body or part thereof; n is an integer greater than or equal to 1; each of said n flexible supporting elements is characterized by at least one retracted configuration, in which force is applied by said n flexible supporting elements onto said at least a portion of the said treated body or part thereof so as to support the same; and at least one relaxed configuration, in which no force is applied by said n flexible supporting elements onto said at least a portion of the said treated body or part thereof;
• each one of said flexible supporting elements is adapted, in said retracted configuration, to apply force and to support at least a portion of said treated body or part thereof according to a support function F;
• said F is a function of the bending angle, a of said body or part thereof, F(a);
• said F(a) represented by at least one of the following:
• F(a) is substantially constant for each angle a;
• n 7.
• the flexible element is a spring-like element, a balloon-like element or any combination thereof.
• the treated body or part thereof is the neck or the head of the patient.
• One of the main goals of the present invention is to provide a dynamic cradle useful for the treatment of range of motion (ROM) reduction, by increasing patient's cervical ROM and neck muscle flexibility, and, as a result, reducing pain; rehabilitation and relaxation of shoulder and cervical muscle over-contraction, e.g., after sport activity and/or injuries, and whole body relaxation.
• An additional benefit of the present invention is that the action of opposing the movement of the cradle enables the patient to increase his or her cervical muscle bulk and strength.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus for treating the body of a patient or part thereof with the present invention.
• the apparatus 100 comprises (a) a cradle 10 for holding said treated body or part thereof stably and comfortably; (b) at least one spring-like supporting element 20 physically connected to said cradle adapted to support at least a portion of the treated body or part thereof.
• each of the supporting elements is capable of motion independent of the others.
• each of the spring-like supporting elements comprises a spring or spring-like member and is characterized by at least one retracted configuration, in which force is applied by the spring-like supporting elements onto said at least a portion of the treated body or part thereof, thereby providing support to it; and at least one relaxed configuration, in which the spring-like supporting elements do not provide any force to the treated body or part thereof (e.g. the neck).
• At least one spring-like member is characterized by being adjustable, such that the amount of force applied by the spring-like supporting elements to the treated body part can be varied.
• this force can be varied by changing at least one of the height of the spring-like supporting member, its angle to the horizontal, its length, the distance between springlike members, and any combination thereof .
• the cradle 10 is adapted to hold the head of the patient and the spring-like supporting elements 20 are adapted to support the neck of the patient.
• FIG. 2a illustrates the cradle of the present invention holding the head 11 of the patient and the spring-like supporting elements supporting the neck 21 of the patient.
• each one of said spring-like supporting elements 20 is adapted to apply force and to support (in the retracted configuration) at least a portion of said neck according to a support function F(a).
• F(a) is a function F(a) of the bending angle a of said body or part thereof.
• F(a) decreases as angle a increases, and the apparatus thus provides maximal support when no bending occurs.
• F(a) is substantially independent of a.
• the cradle comprises seven spring-like supporting elements, each of which is adapted to support one of the seven neck vertebrae.
• each one of said spring-like supporting elements support at least a portion of said body or part thereof in a substantially different support function F(a).
• all of said spring-like supporting elements support at least a portion of said body or part thereof in a substantially equal support function F(a).
• the patient is seen lying down. In this position the bending angle a is substantially 0, and the spring-like supporting elements are fully retracted.
• the support function F(a) is at its maximum, and the spring-like supporting elements are applying the maximum support to the vertebras of the neck.
• the support applies a constant predetermined force that is substantially independent of the bending angle, a.
• decreasing i.e., the force and support applied by spring-like supporting elements to the vertebras of the neck decreases
• the support F(a) apply a constant predetermined support force, regardless of the bending angle, a.
• FIG. 2b illustrates two situations.
• One, denoted by a dashed line is a situation in which the body part is not bent, and the spring-like supporting elements are fully retracted.
• the body part is bent, and the spring-like supporting elements are partially retracted.
• the two situations are shown superimposed one on the other in order to illustrate the reaction of the apparatus to the movement of the patient.
• FIG. 3a illustrates the cradle of the present invention in front view.
• the arrows represent an option to adjust the distance between the earlike "arms" (130) economically, comfortably to each patient's needs, using slides which can be locked in any physiological position.
• the width can be adjusted for each arm individually, adjusting one ear at a time.
• the adjustment means moves both "arms" synchronically.
• coarse adjustment is made for both arms synchronically, while fine adjustment is made for each ear individually,
• both arms are locked in position during treatment, providing a force which holds the patient's head firmly but comfortably in a fixed position relative to the cradle at all times during treatment; the patient's head is constrained to move according to the movements of the cradle.
• only one arm is locked in position so that only one side of the patient's head is constrained.
• the patient's head is constrained to move by a arm locked in position only when said arm is moving toward the patient's head. If said arm is moving away from the head, the patient's head will remain in contact with the arm only if the patient actively moves his head.
• FIG. 3b illustrates a fine-tuning adjustment around the cheeks achieved via inflatable pillows, located within the "arms" (130), which can be inflated and deflated by the caregiver or by the patient.
• inflation and deflation of the pillows is carried out for each pillow individually.
• inflation of both pillows is done simultaneously.
• coarse adjustment is made for both pillows synchronically, while fine adjustment is made for each pillow individually, Inflation of the pillows provides a force which holds the patient's head firmly but comfortably in a fixed position relative to the cradle at all times during treatment; the patient's head is constrained to move according to the movements of the cradle. Adjustment can be made by means not limited to at least one slide, at least one ratchet, at least one screw, at least one pillow, and any combination of the above.
• FIG. 4 illustrates the cradle in position surrounding the head of a patient, with the arms cradling the sides of the face.
• the arms (130), the rails along which the adjustment slides ride (120) and the support plate(s) (150) to which the arms are attached are clearly seen.
• FIG. 5 illustrates the cradle without a patient, showing the slide mechanism and the rotation mechanism.
• FIG. 5a illustrates a perspective view
• FIG. 5b illustrates a view from the front, looking upwards
• FIG. 5c illustrates the device from behind.
• a support plate (150) is attached to the arms (130).
• the support plate (150) is connected to a bar (140), pivoted in its center, thereby enabling the arms to rotate around an axis through the pivot synchronically.
• FIG. 5c also shows a spring-like support (20) which supports the neck. In other embodiments, a balloon-like support replaces the spring-like support.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a means of adjusting the spring height, a screw mechanism (170), in FIG. 6.
• the opposite ends of the mechanism are attached to opposite ends of the spring mechanism and, as the screw mechanism is tightened, the distance between the ends is shortened, thereby raising the center of the spring.
• FIG. 6a illustrates the screw mechanism (170) in its untightened state, with the spring mechanism (20) only slightly raised in the center
• FIG. 6b illustrates the screw mechanism (170) in the tightened state, with the spring mechanism (20) significantly raised in the center.
• the pillow section or the pillows (21) can be inflated by hand (shown) or via compressed air or a mechanical pump (not illustrated).
• the pillows (21) can be inflated individually, jointly, and any combination thereof.
• the springs (20) are used for coarse adjustment of the neck support, while at least one inflatable pillow (21) is used for the fine adjustment.
• the spring can have adjustment means such as the example illustrated in FIG. 6, and, in a preferred embodiment, the at least one inflatable pillow (21) has at least seven separately-inflatable sections.
• springs or springlike elements 20 comprise a neck support.
• the neck support is flexibly connected at its proximal end to the cradle and comprises a vertical adjustment mechanism 220.
• the vertical adjustment mechanism is in a lowered position, with the neck support and the springs 20 close to horizontal.
• the vertical adjustment mechanism 220 has been raised, causing the free, distal, end of the neck support to rise and the neck support to be at a larger angle to the horizontal than in FIG 9a.
• the neck support can be made to follow the angle of the neck, such that the springs 20 provide a substantially similar force on all of the cervical vertebrae.
• springs or springlike elements 20 comprise a neck support.
• the neck support is connected at its proximal and distal ends to a screw mechanism 170.
• the screw mechanism 170 is in a more-open position; the spring-like elements 20 are relatively far apart, in a position suitable to support the vertebrae in a person with a longer neck, such as a tall adult.
• the screw mechanism 170 has been tightened; the spring-like elements 20 have been brought closer together to accommodate a person with a shorter neck, such as a child or a short person, where the vertebrae are closer together.
• FIG. 11 an embodiment of the cradle is shown in which adjustment of the arms 130 is illustrated.
• the arms form narrow wands on either side of the face, thereby enabling the head to be retrained without covering the ears.
• FIG. 11a the arms are in contact with the cheeks, in front of the ears, while, in FIG. lib, the arms 130 are in contact with the rear part of the skull, beneath the ears.
• FIG. 11c In reference to FIGs. 11c and lid, another adjustment of the arms 130 is shown.
• the arms In FIG. 11c, the arms are shown in an open position, where the arms 130 are not in contact with the patient's head. In the position shown in FIG 11c, the patient's head can easily be lowered into or raised from the cradle 10.
• FIG. lid the arms are shown in a closed position, where the arms 130 are in contact with the patient's head, thus restraining the patient's head. It can be clearly seen that the position of the arms in the closed position can be easily adjusted to accommodate different patient head sizes.
• the arms 130 are adapted to move in at least the two directions, towards-away from the head, and forward-back parallel to the head, shown in FIG. 11.
• the arms 130 are independently adjustable; each arm can be moved to its desired position, without affecting the position of the other arm.
• the arms 130 preferably comprise a latching or locking mechanism, or other such means, such that, if the locking or latching mechanism is in an "open” position, the arms 130 can move freely, whereas, if the locking or latching mechanism is in a "closed” position, the arms 130 do not move, thereby laterally restraining the head.
• each arm 130 is independently lockable or latchable so that each arm 130 can be independently positioned and independently locked or latched into place.
• each arm 130 comprises a ball joint 1210.
• the ball joint 1210 comprises a ball 1220 fitting smoothly and rotatably within a socket in arm 130 and a pin 1230 connectable to the main body of cradle 10.
• This ball joint enables the arm 130 to be oriented in any desired angular direction, with limits to radial motion towards and away from the center of rotation of the arm 130 being the points at which the pin 1230 contacts the arm 130.
• the ease with which the arm 130 is moved can be set by, for example, selecting an appropriate tightness of fit between ball 1220 and the socket.
• a latching mechanism in conjunction with the ball joint 1210 is a section of the socket adapted, when open, to allow free movement of the ball 1220 and adapted, when closed, to rest firmly against the ball 1220 so as to prevent the ball 1220 from moving.
• the latch will be open; once the arms 130 are in a comfortable position for the patient, resting firmly and comfortably against the patient's head, the latch is closed, thereby restraining the patient's head during treatment. At the end of the treatment, the latch is again opened, freeing the patient's head from the device.
• the system additionally comprises a sensor unit (180).
• Fig. 13a illustrates the sensor unit (180)
• Fig. 13b illustrates the sensor unit (180) in position on a human head.
• the sensor unit (180) comprises sensors to establish the position of the head in real time during treatment.
• the sensors can be accelerometers, gyroscopic, ultrasound sensors, a camera-based detector (as will be disclosed in Figs. 13c- 13d) or any combination thereof.
• the position of the head is communicated to display means, recording means and any combination thereof.
• the position of the head is communicated relative to its position at some previous time.
• the sensor unit (180) is held firmly but comfortably to the head by a restraining means, preferably at least one strap, which is adjustable, in a non-limiting manner, by means of one of a group consisting of elasticity in at least one portion of the strap, a ratchet, a pull adjustment locked by means of a friction buckle a pull adjustment locked by means of a buckle with a tang, and any combination thereof.
• a single strap will preferably surround the head in the transverse plane.
• a pair of straps may surround the head with one tilted upward from the transverse plane from the sensor unit (180) to near the crown of the head, with the other tilted downward from the transverse plane from the sensor unit (180) to near the base of the head.
• Figs. 13c- 13d illustrates another embodiment of image -processing based method for establishing the position of the head in real time during treatment.
• the sensor is a camera-based detector.
• the sensor unit 180 will comprise at least one camera-based detector 1811.
• the system will comprise at least one camera 1812 (see Fig. 13d) that will be able, by means of image processing, to detect the head's position during treatment.
• there could be more than one camera e.g. stereo-camera to allow binocular vision
• more than one camera e.g. stereo-camera to allow binocular vision
• the camera (or the stereo-camera) will detect the camera-based detector (or detectors) 1811 and will, by conventional known algorithms, locate the 3D position of the treated organ (e.g., head).
• FIG. 14a illustrates the support pillow (190) from above
• FIG. 14b illustrates a perspective view of the support pillow (190) in the inflated state
• FIG. 14c illustrates a side view of the support pillow (190) in the inflated state.
• FIG. 15A shows the device with the arms 130 in an open position, adapted to allow easy insertion of a head into the cradle 10 as well as easy removal of the head aside from the cradle.
• An embodiment of vertical adjustment mechanism 220 is shown, with the spring-like members 20 held at a desired angle by the vertical adjustment mechanism 220.
• FIGs. 15B and 15C show, from two different angles, the above embodiment of the present device in a position typical of that attained when the device is being used.
• the arms 130 are substantially horizontal, resting against the face and restraining lateral movements of the head.
• the body 10 of the cradle of the cradle is shown, as are the vertical adjustment mechanism 220 and the spring-like members 20.
• FIG. 15d shows the above embodiment of the present device 100 in a position for use, with a head 11 in position, with the back of the skull resting comfortably in the body of the cradle, the arms 130 substantially horizontal and laterally restraining the head, and the spring-like members 20 supporting the neck, held at an appropriate height and at the appropriate angle by the vertical adjustment mechanism 220.
• the cradle retains three rotational degrees of freedom (i.e. freedom to rotate independently in the sagittal (101), coronal (102), and horizontal planes (103); these planes of motion are illustrated in FIG. 16 relative to the motion manipulator portion.
• the cradle retains these three rotational degrees of freedom along with three linear degrees of freedom (i.e. freedom to move independently along the axis parallel to the motion manipulator part's primary axis of the motion manipulator and the two axes in the plane perpendicular to the motion manipulator part's primary axis).
• FIG. 17a illustrates the cradle (10) and the springs (20) before the coronal rotation
• FIG. 17b illustrates the cradle (10) and springs (20) after a coronal rotation toward the left.
• each patient is treated with a specific therapy such that each therapy will be suited to the specific patient according to different parameters characterizing said specific patient.
• Said parameters can be any combination of "allowed movements” as defined in Table 1 below.
• the person undergoing treatment rests his or her head within a recess in the cradle while lying down, either prone or supine.
• the head is caused to perform a 3D oscillatory movement at a very slow velocity (e.g., 0.3 - 3° s " l ) by means of motors adapted to move a platform on which the cradle rests, in three axes.
• This slow movement is adapted to lengthen and relax over-contracted neck muscles. It is adapted to gradually abolish abnormal neck muscle contraction patterns.
• this computer provides movement of the head described in the following table, in which the angle of the head is defined by the vector of movement angles in the sagittal, coronal, and horizontal planes, denoted (S, C, H), where S is the sagittal angle in degrees, C is the coronal angle in degrees, and H is the horizontal angle in degrees, and where in all planes 0° is the position of the un-tilted head:
• the computer receives feedback signals from sensors on the patient, to optimize a personal unique treatment of the head and neck in three dimensional space and time.
• This dynamic cradle is useful for the treatment of pain especially head and neck pain syndromes such as migraine, and other headaches: tension type, post traumatic, cervicogenic, and myofascial headache, as well as neck pain, such as post whiplash injury and muscle over-contraction.
• this dynamic cradle is useful for the treatment of ROM reduction, by increasing patient's cervical ROM and neck muscle flexibility, and as a result, reducing pain; rehabilitation and relaxation of shoulder and neck muscles over- contraction, e.g., after sport activity and/or other injuries, and whole body relaxation.
• rehabilitation and relaxation of shoulder and neck muscles over- contraction e.g., after sport activity and/or other injuries, and whole body relaxation.
• a cradle is provided that conforms to the shape of the human head, neck and shoulders.
• FIG. 18a illustrates an even figure 8-like track (here, a clockwise direction). This lobular maneuver is provided in a two dimensional and/or a three dimensional manner here a loop-like continuous movement along the sagittal plane.
• FIG. 18b depicts similar figure 8-like track, here, along a counter-clockwise direction.
• FIGs. 18c - 18f depict similar figure 8-like continuous movement along various planes. It is acknowledged in this respect that uneven figure 8-like (with one extended lob) continuous movements along all Sagittal, Horizontal, and Coronal planes are possible.
• This 2D and/or 3D maneuvers are provided in a continuous or interrupted manner, in a spontaneous, feedbacked and/or predetermined manner. It is in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid 3D movement is provided with six degrees of freedom (DFs), especially wherein the motion is characterized by a continuous passive motion in a 6-DFs lobular maneuver.
• DFs degrees of freedom
• a variety of embodiment are provided for illustrating the holding and attachment of the patient's head and neck to the treatment table.
• FIGs. 19a-19d illustrating four examples of the force (in kg) applied by the spring-like supporting elements as a function of the bending angle a.
• the force (in kg) applied by the spring-like supporting elements as a function of the bending angle a.
• the support function is essentially constant (at approximately 3 kg (approx. 30 N) in FIG. 19a and 0.5 kg (approx. 5 N) in FIG. 19b), independent of the bending angle a.
• FIGs. 19c and 19d illustrate embodiments in which the support function decreases as the bending angle a increases. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19c, the support function decreases from approximately 3.5 kg to approximately 0.3 kg as a increases from approximately 10° to approximately 65°, while in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19d, support function decreases from approximately 0.5 kg to approximately 0.05 kg over this range in a.
• maximum force applied by at least one of the spring-like supporting elements, for an adult patient is between 3-4 kg, while the maximum force for a child the force is about 0.5 kg.

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• 2013
  • 2013-03-20 WO PCT/IL2013/050264 patent/WO2013140406A1/fr not_active Ceased

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