Patent Application
20160228320
Back pain, especially low-back pain, is a common problem for over 65 million Americans and is the second most reason for doctor's visits. Inversion therapy claims that it is particularly beneficial for the spine in that it relieves pressure on the joints, discs, and nerve roots; this in turn allows discs to return to their original shape, decreasing pressure exerted on the nerve roots. Proponents claim that when the body's weight is upside down, the pull of gravity may decompress the joints of the body below the anchor. Hanging by the feet (inverted) causes each joint in the body to be loaded in an equal and opposite manner to standing in an identical position of joint alignment/load. One such product/example is, Teeter Hang Ups. There are several models to choose from, each offering a conventional method of anchoring the ankles/feet and oscillating the table until the user is inverted. Other examples include: Body Max, Ironman Gravity, and Elite Fitness, all of which are similar in design, differing in cosmetic choices of comfort features.
The problem with this therapy is that by anchoring the ankles/feet, the anchor point is at the most distal aspect of the lower extremity kinetic chain. This only allows for an indirect tractioning of the target area (low-back) and minimal decompression. Other contraindications are lower extremity joint dysfunction i.e. arthritis, prosthetics, post-surgery syndromes, high blood pressure, diabetic retinopathy etc. would prohibit inversion.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
One example embodiment includes an inversion accessory for supporting a user at the waist while using an inversion device. The inversion accessory includes a belt, wherein the belt is configured to be placed around the waist of a user. The inversion accessory also includes one or more rings connected to the belt and a series of bands attached to each of the one or more rings. The inversion accessory further includes a center loop connected to each of the series of bands and a center strap. The center strap is configured to secure to the center loop and attach to the inversion table.
Another example embodiment includes system for decompressing a user's spine. The system includes an inversion device, the inversion device configured to hold the user in a head down position. The system also includes an inversion accessory. The inversion accessory includes a belt, wherein the belt is configured to be placed around the waist of a user. The inversion accessory also includes one or more rings connected to the belt and a series of bands attached to each of the one or more rings. The inversion accessory further includes a center loop connected to each of the series of bands and a center strap. The center strap is configured to secure to the center loop and attach to the inversion table.
Another example embodiment includes system for decompressing a user's spine. The system includes an inversion table, the inversion table configured to hold the user in a head down position. The system also includes an inversion accessory. The inversion accessory includes a belt, wherein the belt is configured to be placed around the waist of a user. The inversion accessory also includes a set of four rings connected to the belt and a center loop. The inversion accessory further includes a first band. The first band attaches to the first ring in the set of four rings, passes through the center loop and attaches to the second ring in the set of four rings. The inversion accessory moreover includes a second band, wherein the second band attaches to the third ring in the set of four rings, passes through the center loop and attaches to the fourth ring in the set of four rings. The inversion accessory additionally includes a center strap. The center strap is secured to the center loop and attached to the inversion table.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
When the body's weight is suspended from the lower body—rather than borne on the hands as in handstands or headstands or hanging from a bar with arms at sides, which are also forms of inversion—the pull of gravity may decompress the joints of the body below the anchor. Hanging by the feet, as with gravity boots or inversion tables, causes each joint in the body to be loaded in an equal and opposite manner to standing in an identical position of joint alignment. Inversion therapy may be particularly beneficial for the spine in that it relieves pressure on the discs and nerve roots which in turn allows discs to recover lost moisture and to return to their original shape, decreasing the pressure they can exert on nerves.
In addition, inversion may be a tool to restore proper alignment to the spine, which may assist in maintaining proper posture when later righted. As misalignment of the hips and spine can itself be a source of inflammation and pain, this is another benefit of inversion as a back therapy.
Further, inversion may be effective in gaining flexibility. Static-active stretching methods impossible to perform while standing can be performed upside down for the spinal flexors, side flexors and extensors, and sit-ups are a closed-chain exercise for the hip flexors (a static-active stretch for the hip extensors) compared to the upright exercise, leg raises, which are open-chain movements. Due to increased spacing in the joint which can occur in response to traction, the muscles crossing that joint are pre-stretched, and as such, experience a greater lengthening compared to the equivalent joint angle while under no traction (lying down) or while being compressed (standing).
Moreover, inversion may stimulate circulation differences due to gravity acting on the circulatory system in an opposite manner. I.e., while a user is inverted gravity opposes what it would normally assist, and assists what it would normally oppose compared to standing upright. This pooling of blood and greater circulation is thought to increase oxygen flow to those tissues, primarily in the brain or roots of the hair.
As used in the specification and the claims, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties recited elements to the physical characteristics of the recited structure. That is, the phrase “configured to” denotes that the element is structurally capable of performing the cited element but need not necessarily be doing so at any given time. As a result, the phrase “configured to” reaches well beyond merely describing functional language or intended use since the phrase actively recites an actual state of configuration.
Multiple straps can allow for better customization and/or multiple pressure points. I.e., multiple straps allow the belt 202 to make contact at several points with the waist of the user. For example, the securing mechanism 204 can include two or three straps. This not only enhances the effect of the traction applied (making it more specific to the target) but also makes the inversion accessory 104 virtually a one size fits all. Likewise, the buckles can be releasable to allow a user to more easily secure the straps. The buckle or clasp is a device used for fastening two loose ends, with one end attached to it and the other held by a catch in a secure but adjustable manner. For example, the buckles can include side release buckles or any other fastening mechanism.
Once on the inversion table the table rotates, inverting the user, so that gravity pulls the user down while the inversion accessory 104 is secured to the table. This causes direct decompression of the user's lumbar spine (low-back). This allows users who were unable to utilize inversion therapy because of contraindications previously listed to benefit from this decompression inversion accessory 104 without having to be in full inversion. Greater, more direct decompression occurs by utilizing the inversion accessory 104 around the waist focusing the decompression on the back. The user may also benefit from inverting as normal with the added benefit of direct low-back decompression.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/114,478 filed on Feb. 10, 2015, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62114478 | Feb 2015 | US |
