U.S. patent application number 12/314787 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for rehabilative exercising chair.
Invention is credited to Afrooz Derakhshan, Kaivan Sadeghi.
Application Number | 20090230743 12/314787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41062238 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090230743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Derakhshan; Afrooz ; et
al. |
September 17, 2009 |
Rehabilative exercising chair
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an exercise chair for aiding in the
alleviation of lower back pain. The chair device of the present
invention comprises a central post portion defining a central axis
with a base at one end and a coupling portion fashioned to be
tilted relative to the central axis at the other end. A coil spring
is concentrically located on the central axis and affixed to the
post portion at the one end and to the coupling portion at the
other end. The coil spring is normally biased to maintain the seat
of the chair in a non-tilted position. Also disclosed herein, is a
method of practice employing the chair device. In the method, a
user in a seated position on the chair selectively and reversibly
rotates their pelvic/hip region in three possible dimensions about
a point of origin substantially centrally located to their pelvic
region in various directions resulting in stretching and
strengthening exercises of the abdominal, lumbar and pelvic/hip
regions of the user.
Inventors: |
Derakhshan; Afrooz; (North
York, CA) ; Sadeghi; Kaivan; (North York,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOWELL & DOWELL P.C.
103 Oronoco St., Suite 220
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
41062238 |
Appl. No.: |
12/314787 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61007982 |
Dec 18, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 9/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/329 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/00 20060101
A47C001/00 |
Claims
1. An exercising chair comprising: a post portion defining a
central axis, the post portion having first and second end regions;
a base connected to the post portion at the first end region; a
coil spring concentrically located on the central axis and adjacent
the second end region; a seat portion; a coupling portion for
supporting the seat portion relative to the post portion at the
second end region; the coupling portion being arranged to permit
substantially free tilting movement of the seat portion relative to
the central axis; the coil spring operable to bias the seat portion
to a neutral position relative to the central axis.
2. A chair as defined in claim 1, further comprising a ball joint;
the ball joint having a saddle portion and a ball portion located
intermediate the second end region and the coupling portion on the
central axis and extending concentrically through the coil
spring.
3. A chair as defined in claim 1, further comprising a support
flange; the support flange having a central passage; the post
portion extending through the central passage, the support flange
fixed to the post portion near the second end region; the coil
spring being coupled to the support flange adjacent the second end
region.
4. A chair as defined in claim 1, the seat portion further
comprising a cushion.
5. A chair as defined in claim 4, the cushion being substantially
horizontal in a neutral position.
6. A chair as defined in claim 1, the post portion being length
adjustable.
7. A chair as defined in claim 6, the post portion including a
telescoping mechanism.
8. A chair as defined in claim 7, the telescoping section including
a pneumatic or a hydraulic cylinder.
9. A chair as defined in claim 6, the post portion including a
threaded screw mechanism.
10. A chair as defined in claim 2, the saddle portion being affixed
to the coupling portion.
11. A chair as defined in claim 2, the ball portion being coupled
to the second end region.
12. A chair as defined in claim 1, further comprising a protective
covering intermediate the second end region and the coupling
portion encasing the coil spring.
13. An exercising chair comprising: a telescoping post portion
having first and second end regions, a base connected to the post
at the first end region; a support flange having a central passage
affixed to the post portion near the second end region, the post
portion defining a central axis; a seat portion; a coupling portion
for supporting the seat portion relative to the post portion at the
second end region; a coil spring concentrically located on the
central axis between the coupling portion and the support flange; a
ball joint having a saddle portion and a ball portion located
intermediate the second end region and the coupling portion on the
central axis and extending concentrically through the coil spring;
the ball portion being connected to the second end and the saddle
portion being connected to the coupling portion; the coupling
portion and the ball joint being arranged to permit substantially
free tilting movement of the seat portion about the ball portion;
the coil spring operable to bias the seat portion to a neutral
position relative to the central axis.
14. An exercising chair comprising: a post portion extending
through a flange having a central passage affixed to the post
portion defining a central axis, the post portion having first and
second end regions; a base connected to the post at the first end
region; a seat portion; a coupling portion for supporting the seat
portion relative to the post portion at the second end region; a
ball joint located intermediate the second end region and the
coupling portion on the central axis; a plurality of coil springs
equally spaced apart affixed and radiating tangentially from the
flange and affixed to the coupling portion; the coupling portion
and the ball joint being arranged to permit substantially free
hemispheric movement of the seat portion about the central axis;
the plurality of coil springs operable to bias the seat portion to
a neutral position relative to the central axis wherein the seat
portion is substantially horizontal.
15. A method of exercising the lower back and pelvic regions of a
user, the method comprising the user's engaging a chair comprising:
a post portion defining a central axis, the post portion having
first and second end regions; a base connected to the post portion
at the first end region; a coil spring concentrically located on
the central axis and adjacent the second end region; a seat
portion; a coupling portion for supporting the seat portion
relative to the post portion at the second end region; the coupling
portion being arranged to permit substantially free tilting
movement of the seat portion relative the central axis; the coil
spring operable to bias the seat portion to a neutral position
relative to the central axis; and rocking the body about the
central axis, against the bias of the spring, while engaged to the
chair.
16. The method as defined in claim 15, comprising engaging the
gluteal region of the user with the seat portion of the chair in a
seated position.
17. The method as defined in claim 16, comprising the user's
selectively and reversibly rotating the pelvic region about a point
of origin substantially central to the pelvic region in at least
one axis selected from the group consisting of the (0, +y, -z)
axis, the (+x, +y, -z) axis, the (+x, 0, -z) axis, the (+x, -y, -z)
axis, the (0, -y, -z) axis, the (-x, -y, -z) axis, the (-x, 0-z)
axis or (-x, -y, -z) axis relative to the central axis of the
chair.
18. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein the spinal segments
of the lower back and pelvic regions of user are selectively
hyperextended, hyperflexed or laterally flexed.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to and claims benefit of
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/007,982,
filed Dec. 18, 2007 entitled "Pelvic Rock Chair", the disclosure of
which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a rehabilitative exercise
device to aid in the alleviation and prevention of back pain in an
individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
exercise chair wherein user controlled movements of the seat
portion allow for broad ranges of pelvic/hip and abdominal ranges
of motion for stretching and strengthening exercises of the lower
back, pelvic/hip and abdominal regions of the body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A study published in 2007 by researchers in the United
Kingdom using a representative population revealed that troublesome
lower back pain was evident in about 25% of the respondents
(Parsons S., et al., Fam Pract. 2007 September; 24(4):308-16. Epub
2007 Jun. 29). It is also known that much of the acute and chronic
low back pain presented is a result of the biomechanics of the
human anatomy. This low back pain may result from several organic
parameters such as, for example, improper articular joint function
of the lower back and pelvic/hip regions, tightness of the
myofascial tissue surrounding the musculature of the lower back and
pelvic/hip regions, lower back lordosis and discogenic issues of
the lumbar spine such as disc derangement and inflammation.
[0004] Treatment of low back pain can take several forms. For
exemplary purposes, anti-inflammatory and pain reduction
medications such opioids are often prescribed by physicians to help
alleviative some of the patient's discomfort. More invasive
treatments using local anesthetics in combination with long-acting
corticosteroid injections into the facet joints are routinely used
in more extreme case of low back pain. However, it is often
preferred to treat low back pain with non-invasive methods such as
physical therapy using ultrasound or trancutaneous nerve
stimulation in conjunction with therapeutic massage and stretching
and strengthening exercises. Abdominal core low back strengthening
exercises have also shown success in treating low back pain.
Conditioning of the musculature surrounding the lower back and
pelvic/hip regions leads to improved stability of the biomechanics
of the lumbar, lumbosacral, and pelvic/hip regions, and thus a
resultant reduction in lower back pain.
[0005] Due to the nature of lower back pain as it is presented in
individuals, limited mobility and balance issues are often
observed. These issues lead to a safety concern for those patients
seeking to undertake or who have been prescribed by a caregiver a
stretching and exercise regime. Limited mobility and balance issues
render the patient in a position to fall over, being unable to get
up, and other situations which can lead to further injury and
increased severity of the lower back pain condition.
[0006] It would be desirable to provide a novel device and approach
to stretching and strengthening exercises to aid in the alleviation
of lower back pain and improve the stability of the biomechanics of
the lower back and pelvic/hip regions of an individual. It would
also be desirable also to provide a means for persons not afflicted
with lower back pain to maintain range of motion and strength of
the lower back and the pelvic/hip region as a preventative measure
against developing lower back pain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The foregoing needs and other needs and objectives that will
become apparent for the following description are achieved or at
least alleviated in the present invention, which comprises an
exercise chair device. The chair is formed of a central-axis post
portion with a base portion at one end and a coupling portion for
supporting a seat at the opposing end of the post portion. A coil
spring is concentrically located on the post portion near the
coupling portion and arranged to permit substantially free tilting
movement of the seat portion relative to the central-axis. The coil
spring is arranged to be upright and operable to bias the seat
portion to a neutral position relative to the central axis.
[0008] Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an exercising chair comprising a post portion
defining a central axis, the post portion having first and second
end regions, a base connected to the post portion at the first end
region, a coil spring concentrically located on the central axis
and adjacent the second end region, a seat portion, a coupling
portion for supporting the seat portion relative to the post
portion at the second end region, the coupling portion being
arranged to permit substantially free tilting movement of the seat
portion relative to the central axis, the coil spring operable to
bias the seat portion to a neutral position relative to the central
axis.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an exercising chair comprising a telescoping post portion
having first and second end regions, a base connected to the post
at the first end region; a support flange having a central passage
affixed to the post portion near the second end region, the post
portion defining a central axis; a seat portion; a coupling portion
for supporting the seat portion relative to the post portion at the
second end region; a coil spring concentrically located on the
central axis between the coupling portion and the support flange; a
ball joint having a saddle portion and a ball portion located
intermediate the second end region and the coupling portion on the
central axis and extending concentrically through the coil spring;
the ball portion being connected to the second end and the saddle
portion being connected to the coupling portion; the coupling
portion and the ball joint being arranged to permit substantially
free tilting movement of the seat portion about the ball portion;
the coil spring operable to bias the seat portion to a neutral
position relative to the central axis.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an exercising chair comprising a post portion extending
through a flange having a central passage affixed to the post
portion defining a central axis, the post portion having first and
second end regions; a base connected to the post at the first end
region; a seat portion; a coupling portion for supporting the seat
portion relative to the post portion at the second end region; a
ball joint located intermediate the second end region and the
coupling portion on the central axis; a plurality of coil springs
equally spaced apart affixed and radiating tangentially from the
flange and affixed to the coupling portion; the coupling portion
and the ball joint being arranged to permit substantially free
hemispheric movement of the seat portion about the central axis;
the plurality of coil springs operable to bias the seat portion to
a neutral position relative to the central axis wherein the seat
portion is substantially horizontal.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
exercising the lower back and pelvic regions of a user is provided
comprising the user engaging a chair comprising a post portion
defining a central axis, the post portion having first and second
end regions, a base connected to the post portion at the first end
region, a coil spring concentrically located on the central axis
and adjacent the second end region, a seat portion, a coupling
portion for supporting the seat portion relative to the post
portion at the second end region, the coupling portion being
arranged to permit substantially free tilting movement of the seat
portion relative the central axis, the coil spring operable to bias
the seat portion to a neutral position relative to the central
axis, and rocking the body about the central axis, against the bias
of the spring, while engaged to the chair
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] It should be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and
of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also,
it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used
herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded
as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and
variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and
"mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and
encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and
mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and
variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical, or
electrical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described
in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical, electrical or
other configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to
exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative
mechanical, electrical or other configurations are possible which
are considered to be within the teachings of the instant
disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or"
is to be considered inclusive.
[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, a ball joint is
located intermediate the coupling portion and the post portion of
the chair. The ball joint extends concentrically through the coil
spring and connects to the coupling portion at one end and the post
portion at the other end.
[0014] A support flange is suitably provided for supporting the
coil spring, affixed near the coupling end of the post portion,
with a central passage for the post portion to extend through.
[0015] Suitably, a cushion is provided on the seat portion.
[0016] In preferred embodiments of the present invention the post
portion is provided with means for length adjustment, making it
suitable for patients of different height, but also extending the
range of possible rehabilitative exercises which the health
practitioner can prescribe for an individual, by varying the
relative disposition of the patient's back and legs.
[0017] The present invention also provides a method for the use of
the rehabilitative chair of the present invention for reduction of
low back pain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will
be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the
appended drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the
rehabilitative exercise chair of the present invention, with the
seat portion in a neutral position, parts of an individual
supported by the chair being depicted in ghost;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the rehabilitative
exercise of FIG. 1 showing the seat portion in a tilted position,
the user being similarly depicted;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the seat
portion in a neutral position;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but with the seat portion
in a tilted position;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the
rehabilitative exercise chair of the present invention showing the
seat portion in a tilted position, the user being depicted in
ghost;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the rehabilitative
exercise chair of the present invention similar to that of FIG. 5
but showing the seat portion in a neutral position;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 4 but also
showing the Cartesian reference axis;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a corresponding to that of FIG. 2 but with the
Cartesian reference axis; and
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the rehabilitative
exercise chair and showing the back rest and chair arm
supports.
[0028] As would be readily understood by a person skilled in the
art, the Global Cartesian Co-ordinate system of oriented movement
is used herein to describe pelvic/hip motions of the user about a
point of origin centrally located to the pelvic/hip region of a
user. Briefly, according to the Global Cartesian Co-ordinate system
three axis are formed about a central point of origin to define
3-dimensional co-ordinates in space. The "x-axis" points to the
right in the Global Cartesian Co-ordinate system the "y-axis"
points forward and the "z-axis" points upward as can be in FIGS. 7
and 8. The co-ordinates are given as (x, y, z) and a positions to
the left of the point of origin, behind the point of origin or
below the point of origin is noted with a "-" preceding the
specific co-ordinate. For example, a co-ordinate below, to the left
and forward of the point of origin would be noted as (-x, y,
-z).
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 a rehabilitative chair 10
according to a specific preferred embodiment of the invention is
illustrated. A post portion 12 thereof defines a central axis 14.
The post portion 12 has a first end region 16 and second end region
18. A base 20 for supporting the chair 10 in an upright position is
provided at the first end region 16 of the post portion 12. The
base 20 provided is fashioned and affixed to the post portion 12 in
dimensions and a manner suitable to support and maintain the chair
10 alone and the chair 10 in combination with the user 42 in an
upright position with the post portion 12 remaining substantially
perpendicular to the floor when in use. A coil spring 22 is located
concentrically on the central axis 14 and coupled near the second
end region 18 of the post portion 12. The coil spring 22 is further
coupled at the opposing end to that connected near the second end
region 18 to a coupling portion 24. The coil spring 22 may be
connected to the coupling portion 24 by any means suitable to
maintain the connection of the coil spring 22 and the coupling
portion 24 under conditions of use by a user. A seat portion 26 for
engaging the gluteal region of a user 42 is provided and connected
atop the coupling portion 24.
[0030] The coupling portion 24 and the coil spring 22 are located
concentrically relative to the central axis 14 and arranged to
permit substantially free tilting movement of the seat portion
relative to the central axis 14. Additionally, the coil spring 22
is operable to bias the seat portion 26 to a neutral, non-tilted
position relative to the central axis 14 as is shown in FIGS. 1 and
3. Using the Global Cartesian Co-ordinate system for reference and
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the arrangement of the post portion 12, the
coil spring 22 and the coupling portion 24, permit the seat portion
26 to be tilted about the central axis 14 in all directions, for
example, (0, +y, -z), (+x, +y, -z), (+x, 0, -z), (+x, -y, -z), (0,
-y, -z), (-x, -y, -z), (-x, 0-z) and (-x, -y, -z) when the user 42
selectively rotates his/her pelvic/hip region about a point of
origin 50 schematically shown. For exemplary purposes, referring
especially to FIG. 8 and using the Global Cartesian Co-ordinate
system for reference, when the user 42 selectively rotates their
pelvic/hip region about a point of origin 50, the seat portion 26
may be tilted in the (0, +y, -z) direction. Also for exemplary
purposes, referring especially to FIG. 7 and using the Global
Cartesian Co-ordinate system for reference, when the user 42
selectively rotates the pelvic/hip region about a point of origin
50, the seat portion 26 may be tilted in the (-x, 0, -z) direction.
It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that due the
arrangement of the post portion 12, the coil spring 22 and the
coupling portion 24, the seat portion 26 may be selectively tilted
by a user 42 about the central axis 14 at the coupling portion 24
in any direction.
[0031] The chair device 10 also comprises, referring to FIGS. 1 to
4, a ball joint 28 including a ball portion 32 and a saddle portion
30. The ball joint 28 is provided intermediate the second end
region 18 and the coupling portion 24. The saddle portion 30 of the
ball joint 28 is affixed to the coupling portion 24. The ball
portion 32 is affixed to the second end region 18 of the post
portion 12. The interaction of the ball portion 32 with the saddle
portion 30 forms a point of rotation for tilting of the seat
portion 26. In this arrangement, it may desirable for some users as
a means to inhibit a swaying motion of the spring under conditions
of use. It will, however, be readily apparent to one skilled in the
art that the saddle portion 30 may alternatively be affixed to the
second end region 18 of the post portion 12 and the ball portion 32
may alternatively be affixed to the coupling portion 24. It will
also be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that any
suitable 3-dimensional articulating joint may substitutable in
place of the ball joint 28 to provide substantially the function
for substantially the same result.
[0032] The chair device 10, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, also
comprises a support flange 34. The support flange 34 has a central
passage (not shown), through which the post portion 12 is extended.
The support flange 34 as can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 4 is affixed
near the second end region 18 of the post portion 12. The coil
spring 22 rests upon the support flange 34 under the force of
gravity or, may optionally be coupled to the support flange 34 by
any suitable means.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the chair device 10,
referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a ball joint 28 is coupled to the
second end region 18 of the post portion 12 to provide a point of
articulation relative to the central axis 14. In this embodiment, a
plurality of substantially equally spaced apart coil springs 22 are
coupled at one end to the support flange 34. The plurality of coil
springs 22 are coupled to the coupling portion 24 near the opposing
end to that of said end coupled to the support flange 34. The ends
of the coil springs 22 coupled to the coupling portion 24 are
coupled near the periphery of the coupling portion 24 and arranged
to be substantially equally spaced apart. In this fashion, as the
seat portion 26 is selectively tilted by the user 42, a first coil
spring 22 is compressed and a second coil spring 22b is extended as
is shown in FIG. 5. In this arrangement of the chair device 10
embodiment, the co-operative functioning of the plurality of the
coil springs 22 is operable to bias the seat portion 26 to a
neutral position.
[0034] The chair device 10, in various embodiments, may also
optionally comprise a cushion 36 as seen in FIGS. 1 to 6 provided
atop the seat portion 26. The cushion 36 may be provided to enhance
the comfort of the chair 10 for the user 42 under conditions of
use. It is contemplated that the cushion 36 may be made from any
suitable material, however, it is preferable that the cushion 36
comprises resilient material, such as, for example, a soft foam
inner core and a harder foam outer covering. The cushion 36 may
optionally be upholstered or covered with anti-bacterial, stain
and/or fungal resistant material such as vinyl as is commonly known
in the art.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment of the chair device 10, not
shown in the figures, the post portion 12 provided may be length
adjustable. This may be desirable in applications wherein the chair
10 may be shared among more than one user, for example a
rehabilitation clinic. The length adjustment of the post portion 12
permits adjustment of the seat height relative to the ground,
thereby allowing the chair 10 to accommodate the varying heights of
different users. Length adjustment may also extend the range of
possible rehabilitative exercises which the health practitioner can
prescribe for an individual, by varying the relative disposition of
the patient's back and legs.
[0036] The post portion 12 may have incorporated various different
means for increasing or, alternatively decreasing the length.
Although not shown in the figures, the post portion 12 may be made
length adjustable through the incorporation of a telescoping
mechanism. The telescoping mechanism may be in the form of a
pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, a length adjustment
of the post portion 12 may be provided as a threaded screw
system.
[0037] In various embodiments of the chair device 10, a protective
covering 52, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be provided. The
protective covering 52 is located intermediate the second end
region 18 and the coupling portion 24 and encases the coil spring
22 and tilting mechanisms, for example the ball joint 28.
Alternatively, in the embodiment of the chair device 10 shown in
FIGS. 5 to 6, the protective covering extends from the outer
perimeter of the seat portion 26 to the outer perimeter of the post
portion 12 near the first end region 16. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 5 to 6, the protective covering 52 covers the second end
region 18, the plurality of coil springs 22, the ball joint 28 and
the support flange 34. The protective covering 52 functions in a
safety aspect to shield the user from untended interactions with
the coil spring 22 and other components of the tilting mechanisms,
such as, for example, in certain embodiments the ball joint 28.
[0038] In various embodiments of the chair device 10, as shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4, 6 and specifically 9, the chair 10 may be provided
with chair arms 38 which are connected to the seat portion 26 via
chair arm supports 40. The connection of the chair arm supports 40
to the seat portion 26 is shown in the figures shown in FIG. 9.
However, the chair arms 38 may be attached at several various
locations of the chair 10. It is preferable that the chair arms 38
be attached to the post portion 12. It is more preferable that the
chair arms 38 be attached to the seat portion 26 via the chair arm
supports 40. Although not shown in the figures, in certain
embodiments of the chair 10, it may be desirable for the chair arm
supports 40 to be length adjustable to accommodate users of various
sizes. It is also contemplated that the chair arms 38 may be
structured to form a single continuous substantially "U-shape"
placed in a horizontal manner such that the chair arm 38 extends
from one side of the user 42 around the ventral side of the user
and terminates at the opposing side of the user 42. In this
embodiment, although not shown, the chair arm supports 40 may
attached to the chair 10 in a manner such that the chair arm
supports 40 extend ventral and upwards relative to the user 42
wherein the user 42 sits with the chair arm supports 40 between
their legs and the chair arm 38 is in a transverse plane across the
user's thorax. Additionally, although not shown in the figures, the
chair arms 38 function to allow the user 42 a place to grasp for
support when the chair is in use. By providing the user with a
place to grasp while using the chair 10, the safety of the user 42
is enhanced and may aid in stretching and strengthening
exercises.
[0039] In certain embodiments of the chair device 10, it may be
desirable for the chair 10 to have a back rest 54 incorporated
therein. As such, the chair device 10 described herein may
additionally comprise a back rest portion 54 as shown in FIGS. 1 to
4, 6 and specifically 9. The back rest portion 54 may be attached
at several various locations of the chair 10. However, it is
preferable that the back rest portion 54 be attached to the
coupling portion 24. It is more preferable that the back rest
portion 54 be attached to the seat portion 26 of the chair 10.
[0040] In the practice of using the chair device 10, the user may
improve articular joint function, myofascial tightness, and
discogenic issues as well as undertake stretching and strengthening
exercises of the pelvic, abdominal, and lumbar regions using the
chair 10 as described herein. Thus a method of improving articular
joint function, myofascial tightness, and discogenic issues as well
as stretching and strengthening exercises of the pelvic, abdominal,
and lumbar regions is provide herein. Referring now to FIGS. 1 to
6, the user 42 being engaged with the chair 10 is shown. The
gluteal region of the user 42 is engaged in a seated position with
the seat portion 26 of the chair 10. In various embodiments of the
chair device 10, a cushion 36 may be provided atop the seat portion
26 for the comfort of the user 42 during use as is seen in the
figures. The user 42 in the seated position maintains their feet on
the ground. During conditions of use of the chair 10, the user 42
with their gluteal region engaged with the seat portion 26 and
their feet maintained on the group moves their pelvic/hip region 48
a single plane or various combinations of xy, xz, and yz planes
about a point of origin 50 substantially central to their
pelvic/hip region 48. Movement of the pelvic/hip region 48 of the
user 42 is shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 and the schematically
corresponding positioning of the lumbar vertebrae 44 and
lumbosacral region 46 during conditions of tilting of the seat
portion 26 by the user are also shown. The ideal schematic position
of the lumber vertebrae 44 and the lumbosacral region 46 when the
user maintains the seat portion 26 in a neutral position is shown
is FIGS. 1, 3 and 6. In the process of the aforementioned
user-selected directional movements of their pelvic/hip region 48
about the point of origin 50, stretching and strengthening
exercises of the pelvic, abdominal, and lumbar regions are
preformed using the chair device 10. Additionally, the
aforementioned user-selected directional movements may improve
articular joint function, myofascial tightness, and discogenic
issues.
[0041] Thus, the invention generally relates to a device assembled
to form a chair which may be useful for among other uses, broad
ranges of back, lower back, pelvic/hip and abdominal ranges of
movements for stretching and strengthening exercises of a user.
[0042] Doctors of Chiropractic medicine are known to treat patients
with significant back pain. Also, it is known that Doctors of
Chiropractic medicine treat pregnant patients with back pain.
Features common to many of these patients and many others in the
general population is that the pain is related to the improper
biomechanical functioning of the lumbar, lumbosacral spine and
pelvic/hip regions of the human anatomy. The chair device 10 may be
used to assist in training persons afflicted with lower back pain
to accelerate and facilitate recovery from lower back pain. Thus,
the chair device 10 is designed, among other things, to facilitate
a person afflicted with lower back pain to improve lumbar/pelvic
range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises which may
help with strengthening of the low back and pelvic/hip muscles, may
promote the ability to maintain the balance and may improve the
stability of the biomechanics of lumbar, lumbosacral regions of an
individual. Furthermore, the chair device 10 may help to prevent
lower back pain in individuals capable of performing the lower back
and pelvic/hip ranges of motion.
[0043] Thus, use of the chair device 10 may help to reduce the low
back pain in people/patients wherein the pain is substantially
related to biomechanical changes of myofascial, discogenic, and
articular joints. The present device may additionally help pregnant
women to prevent, block and eliminate the low back pain as a result
of pregnancy. In another aspect, the chair device 10 may also be
used to train individuals, such as fashion models, to improve their
style in walking/standing and balance.
[0044] Thus, in one example, the device provides a Pelvic Rock
Chair, which may be useful as a rehabilitative exercising chair for
a person's low back and pelvic/hip areas. It provides an assembly
of a moveable seat support piece which is coupled to the top of a
telescoping shaft at one end and at the other end it is connected
to the a base of the chair. The seat support piece is coupled to
the top section of the shaft and may be designed ergonomically for
one to be able to hyperextend, hyper flex, lateral flexion, and for
rotation of the spinal segments at low back and pelvis while
seated. This may, among other possible uses, may be employed for
stretching, strengthening of the myofascial component of the low
back and pelvic, as well as for range of motion exercises of the
low back and pelvic region and for discotherapy.
[0045] Thus, in a another example, the chair-like base and a
rotatable seat may accommodate movements in there different planes
at the same time, for example, planes XY horizontal, XZ and YZ
vertical. Movement in the various planes may be up to 45.degree. or
more from horizontal without jeopardizing the safety of the
individual. The power for the movements may be provided by the
seated person in the chair device 10, whose feet are on the ground
while the person moves their pelvic region in all directions.
[0046] In another example, the device comprises a base for resting
on the ground, a vertical support column assembly coupled to the
centre of the base and a seat assembly which in turn is nested in a
substantially semi-spherical nest and is coupled to the vertical
support column. The seat assembly may optionally be covered by a
skirting-like material for the person/patients safety from the
moving components of the device. The seat base is attached to
springs which are tensed or compressed depending on the motion of
the patient/person's shifting and activation of the seat assembly.
When the patient/person gets off the seat, these springs bring the
seat assembly to its neutral horizontal position (plane XY). The
vertical support column assembly may optionally contain a pneumatic
sub-assembly to permit reversible vertical collapse of the vertical
support assembly relative to the seated patient/person's weight. In
addition, the pneumatic sub-assembly of the vertical support column
assembly may have a lever, to allow the patient/person to
selectively actuate height adjustments of the seat height relative
to ground level. The seat assembly may be comprised of a
substantially spherical seat coupled to a rotating mechanism. The
seat may be comprised of two complementing components, a first
inner component and a second outer component, each having a
substantially spherical shape. The inner component may be
fabricated from a soft foam and the outer component on which the
patient/person sits may be fabricated from a harder foam relative
to the inner component. Optionally, the outer component may be
covered or upholstered with a layer of suitable thickness
fabricated from, for example, an anti-bacterial vinyl material,
and/or a stain resistant material and/or fungal resistant material.
Also, the chair device 10 may be provided with arm rests on which
the patient/person may rest their arms while rocking his/hers
pelvic region. The arm rests may be attached at several various
locations of the chair device 10, however it is preferable that the
arm rest be attached to the vertical column. It is more preferable
that the arm rests be attached to the seat.
[0047] By way of example, ergonomically-designed chair device 10
may be used for multi-shift use (24 hours) and may be suitable for
persons up to 350 lbs in weight. However, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that the chair device 10 may be designed
and fashioned from suitable materials to support a user of well in
excess of 350 lbs. in weight.
[0048] While the chair device 10 has been described for what are
presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is
not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the
following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so
as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures
and functions.
* * * * *