PELVIC ANCHOR BRACE

This Application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/842,663, filed 7 September 2006; and 60/902,047 filed 20 February 2007, the content of all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to brace devices configured to support the lower back and, more specifically the present invention relates to devices that anchor on portions of the pelvis and are configured to support and/or align one or more Lumbar vertebrae.

Lower back pain is very common in humans and frequently caused by misalignment of one or more vertebrae.

Lower back supports comprising belts that circle the abdomen and press one or more lumbar vertebra anteriorly are known. By pressing the lumbar vertebra anteriorly, the vertebra is encouraged to properly align with the pelvis. Properly aligned vertebrae reduce lower back pain.

Examples of lower back supports comprising belts are seen in U.S. Patents 5,086,759 (Buddingh), and 5,551,085 (Leighton) and International Patent WO2004037135 (Weaver).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a spinal support, comprising one right arm having an abutment that abuts against an anterior portion of the right pelvic bone, and one left arm having an abutment that abuts against an anterior portion of the left pelvic bone, such that the abutment of the left arm is separated by a distance from the abutment of the right arm.

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In embodiments, the spinal support includes one posterior spinal support that is configured to press against a posterior portion of the spine.

In embodiments, at least one of: the abutment of: the one right pelvis, and the abutment of the one left pelvis, adjustably extend with respect to the one posterior spinal support.

In embodiments, at least one of: the one right arm and the one left arm are adjustable to assume at least two angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the one posterior spinal support.

In embodiments, the spinal support includes an alignment band that extends between the anterior left arm and the anterior right arm.

In embodiments, at least a portion of the alignment band comprises an elastic member.

In embodiments, the alignment band is removably attached to at least one of the left arm, and the right arm. In embodiments, the one right arm and the one left arm, comprise at least one resilient arm support.

In embodiments, the spinal support includes at least two removable arm coverings, comprising at least one first removable covering and at least one second removable covering, wherein the at least two removable arm coverings comprise at least one of: i) the at least one first removable covering having a first color and the at least one second removable covering having a second color; and ii) the at least one first removable covering having a first compression level and the at least one second removable covering having a second compression level.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a spinal support, comprising one posterior spinal support, comprising one superior padded member configured to press against at least one vertebra, one inferior padded member configured to press below the at least one vertebra, and a curved member

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attached to the spinal support, the curved member configured to encircle a portion of a pelvis.

In embodiments, the one posterior spinal support is configured to be adjusted to press against the posterior portion of the spine with at least two levels of pressure. In embodiments, at least one of the one superior padded member, and the one inferior padded member, are positionally adjustable with respect the curved member.

In embodiments, the one posterior spinal support includes a rigid backing, and the one superior padded member is juxtaposed against includes a compressible member that buttresses against at least a portion of the rigid backing.

In embodiments, the compressible member comprises at least one of a helical spring, and a pliant band.

In embodiments, a portion of the one superior padded member is rotatably connected to a portion of the one inferior padded member.

In embodiments, a portion of the one superior padded member is resiliently connected to a portion of the one inferior padded member.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a spinal support, comprising two elongate arms extending substantially anteriorly from one posterior spinal support, comprising one right arm that extends substantially anteriorly around at least a portion of a right pelvic bone, and one left arm that extends substantially anteriorly around at least a portion of a left pelvic bone.

In embodiments, the one left arm has an abutment that abuts against an anterior portion of the left pelvic bone. In embodiments, the one right arm has an abutment that abuts against an anterior portion of the right pelvic bone.

In embodiments, the one right arm and the one left arm have abutments that abut against anterior portions of the right pelvic bone and left pelvic bone, respectively.

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In embodiments, at least one of the abutment of the one right pelvis, the abutment of the one left pelvis, adjustably extends with respect to the one posterior spinal support.

In embodiments, at least one of the one right arm, and the one left arm, adjustably extends with respect to the one posterior spinal support.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a spinal support that anchors on a pelvis, comprising making a posterior pad configured to support a portion of the spine, extending a right arm anteriorly from the posterior pad and buttressing a portion of the right arm against an anterior portion of a pelvis, and extending a left arm anteriorly from the posterior pad and buttressing a portion of the left arm against an anterior portion of the pelvis.

In embodiments, the method includes curving the right arm around at least a portion of a right pelvic bone, curving the left arm around at least a portion of a left pelvic bone, and causing the posterior pad to provide a first pressure against the portion of the spine.

In embodiments, the method includes adjusting a curvature of the right arm and the left arm to cause the posterior pad to apply a second pressure against the portion of the spine.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for supporting a portion of a spine, the method comprising providing two curved arms extending from a padded member, pressing an end of a first arm of the two curved arms against an anterior portion of the right pelvis, pressing an end of a second arm of the two curved arms against an anterior portion of the left pelvis, and supporting a portion of the spine with the padded member. In embodiments, the method includes buttressing the end of the first arm against the anterior portion of the right pelvis, and buttressing the end of the first arm against the anterior portion of the right pelvis.

In embodiments, the method includes adjusting the extension of at least one of the two curved arms with respect to the padded member.

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Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a pelvic anchor brace aligned with a schematic view of the pelvis, according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a spinal support associated with the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 1, aligned with a schematic view of a vertebra according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 1 showing position adjusts of the side arms according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a frontal view of the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 3 on a schematic of a human being, according to embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 1, according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an aerial view of the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 1, according to embodiments of the present invention;

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Figure 7 is a side view of the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 6 on a schematic of a human being, according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figures 8 - 9 are aerial views of the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 1, according to embodiments of the present invention; Figures lOA-lOC are cross sectional views of the arms of the pelvic anchor brace of Figure 1, according to embodiments of the present invention; and

Figures 11-13 are representative pictures of the pelvic anchor brace shown in Figures 1-2, worn by a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are to a back brace comprising arms that anchor at a first end against portions of the pelvis, while a pad attached to a second end of the arms presses in an anterior direction against one or more lumbar vertebra, thereby aiding in restoring alignment of the lumbar vertebra. The principles and operation of a pelvic anchor brace according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a pelvic anchor brace 100 shown with respect to a lumbar vertebra 262 and a pubic symphysis 240.

Pelvic anchor brace 100 comprises a right arm 205 and a left arm 204 that extend anteriorly from a spinal support 200. Right arm 205 and left arm 204 curve anteriorly to encircle a right pelvis portion 233 and a left pelvis portion 232, respectively.

An anterior portion of right arm 205 includes a right pelvis abutment 243 that is at least partially supported against a right anterior pelvis portion 223. An anterior

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portion of left arm 204 includes a left pelvis abutment 242 that is at least partially supported against a left anterior pelvis portion 222.

Right arm 205 and left arm 204 serve to pull spinal support 200 in an anterior direction 381 against lumbar vertebra 262, thereby correcting alignment between lumbar vertebra 262 and pelvis portions 232 and 233. In embodiments, pelvic anchor brace 100 relieves pain associated with misalignment between lumbar vertebra 262 and pelvis portions 232 and 233

Figure 2 shows a side cut-away view of spinal support 200, comprising an inferior padded member 203, at least a portion of which is affixed to an inferior backing 314. Spinal support 200 additionally comprises a superior padded member 201, at least a portion of which is affixed to a superior backing 313.

Inferior backing 314 and superior backing 313 are flexibly connected at a connection 302. Optionally, connection 302 comprises a resilient member that allows resilient movement of superior padded member 201 in a direction 207. In embodiments, connection 302 comprises a rotatable connection with a compressible buttress 305 between inferior backing 314 and superior backing 313. Buttress 305 acts to press superior padded member 201 toward lumbar vertebra 262 in direction 207.

Compressible buttress 305 may comprise, for example, a portion of silicone rubber or a balloon.

In other embodiments, compressible buttress 305 optionally comprises a spring, a pliant curved member (not shown) having a variety of shapes, materials and sizes. For example, buttress 305 may comprise a "u" shaped flat resilient member or even an "s" shaped flat resilient member; the many configuration for compressible buttress 305 being well known to those familiar with the art.

In still further embodiments, compressible buttress 305 optionally comprises a spring-loaded piston and/or a pneumatic member (not shown).

In additional embodiments, superior padded member 201 and/or inferior padded member 203 are moveably connected to backings 313 and 314 respectively and slide upward in a direction 341 or downward in a direction 342. In alternative embodiments, the connection between superior padded member 201 and backing 313 and/or inferior padded member 203 and backing 314 may comprise hook and loop

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materials that allow the user to change the position of superior padded member 201 and inferior padded member 203.

In still further embodiments, buttress 305 comprises a swivel connection, allowing superior padded member 201 to swivel from side-to-side along a longitudinal axis passing through buttress 305. Similarly, inferior padded member 203 may be connected to backing 314 with a swivel connection allowing side-to-side movement.

In addition, the shape, size and number of inferior padded members 203 and/or superior padded members 201 may vary depending, for example, on the requirements of the user. For example, a user having a particularly sensitive vertebra 262 may require three superior padded members 201 and/or inferior padded members 203, with each set of three arranged in a curve.

Alternatively, for user comfort, superior padded member 201 and/or inferior padded member 203 comprise single pads, which curve around the longitudinal axis of spinal support 200.

In still further embodiments, superior padded member 201 and/or inferior padded member 203 may be curved around a horizontal axis through spinal support 200 to improve user comfort.

Optionally, pelvic anchor brace 100 comprises a kit that includes a variety of interchangeable padded members 201 and 203 having a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or compressibility. The user and/or trained dispensing personnel fit the most comfortable padded members 201 and/or 203 for the user.

Figure 3 is a rear view of pelvic anchor brace 100 showing side arms 204 and 205 pivoting around pivots 324 and 325 in directions 306. In embodiments, axes 367 longitudinally running through arms 204 and 205 each may assume upward and/or downward vertical positions with respect to a longitudinal axis 369 of spinal support 200, thereby allowing pelvic anchor brace 100 to become compact for storage in a relatively small space.

Figure 4 is a frontal view of pelvic anchor brace 100 on a schematic of a human being 270, in which arms 204 and 205 have been pivoted in an upward direction 319 so that arms 204 and 205 are above pelvis portions 232 and 233.

In non-limiting embodiments, human being 270 has substantial space between pelvic portion 232 and 233. Were arms 204 and 205 to be positioned substantially

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horizontal and substantially over pelvis portions 232 and 233, the user might be aware of arms 204 and 205 pressing adjacent soft tissue into pelvis portions 232 and 233.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of pelvic anchor brace 100 showing an alignment band 391 that serves to maintain alignment of left pelvis abutment 242 with right pelvis abutment 243. Alignment band 391 optionally comprises a central stretchable portion 315 having a left tab 352 that attaches to a left connector 312 and a right tab 343 that attaches to a right connector 353.

In embodiments, the connection between tabs 352 and 343 and connectors 312 and 353 may comprise: clips, snaps, buckles, bolts and nuts, hooks and/or hook and loop connectors; the many options for providing connections between tabs 352 and 343 and connectors 312 and 353 being well-known to those familiar with the art.

In addition, pelvic anchor brace 100 demonstrates that arms 204 and 205 are modular, meaning that arms 204 and 205 of varying length and/or curvature may be included in a kit. In this manner, when a user presents for fitting of pelvic anchor brace 100 different configurations of arms 204 and 205, that are included with the kit, may be substituted to ensure user comfort. Additionally, arms 204 and 205, spinal support 200 and/or alignment band 391, inter alia, may be designed and/or colored to provide pleasing aesthetic effects that encourage the user to use pelvic anchor brace 100. With respect to interchangeable arms 204 and 205, as shown in Figure 6, a user may present with a relatively short space between pelvic portions 232 and 233. In a non-limiting example, arms 204 and 205 each having a smaller radius, are optionally exchanged for arms 204' and 205', each having a longer arc.

In addition to interchangeable sizes of arms 204 and 205, there are many options for interchanging different sized components including, inter alia, deeper pelvis abutments 242 and 243, longer alignment band 391, and/or longer pivots 324 and 325, allowing pelvic anchor brace 100 to be fit comfortably on small, medium or large pelvic bones 232 and 233 in a variety of human frames.

In still further embodiments, arms 204 and 205 are slidingly attached to pivots 324 and 325 to allow adjustment to the lengths of arms 204 and 205 that extend from spinal support 200.

Figure 7 shows a side schematic view of human 270 in which pelvic anchor brace 100 has been equipped with long arc arm 204' having longitudinal axis 367 that

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is substantially parallel to a support surface 355. Long arc arm 204', for example, includes a sufficiently long arc to pass directly over right pelvis portion 233 without causing irritation to the soft tissue between long arc arm 204' and right pelvis portion 233. Figure 8 shows further optional adjustability of pelvic anchor brace 100 in which right pelvis abutment 243 and left pelvis abutment 242 adjustably move in adjustment directions 335 with respect to arms 204 and 205 respectively.

In additional embodiments, right arm 205 and left arm 204 are shown moving in and out in directions 335 with respect to pivots 324 and 325, respectively, thereby changing the extension distance of arms 204 and 205 with respect to spinal support 200.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which right arm 205 swivels in directions 304 on a right horizontal swivel 365, while left arm 204 swivels in directions 304 on a left horizontal swivel 364, allowing further comfort and adjustability to a user. In embodiments, right horizontal swivel 365 and left horizontal swivel 364 can be fixed in a specific position with respect to spinal support 200. In this manner arms 204 and 205 bring pelvis abutments 242 and 243 in a posterior direction 387 against anterior pelvis portions 222 and 223, thereby causing spinal support 200 to move in anterior direction 381 against vertebra 262, affording greater alignment-causing pressure against vertebra 262.

In further embodiments, right horizontal swivel 365 and left horizontal swivel 364 allow arms 204 and 205 to swing backward so the user easily puts spinal support 200 in position and then swing arms 204 and 205 forward. In this manner, spinal pelvic brace 100 allows the user to easily install pelvic anchor brace 100. Additionally, arms 204 and 205 may optionally swing backward to allow easy removal.

In still further embodiments, arms 204 and 205 comprise resilient material and may be adjusted, for example by bending, to bring anterior pelvic abutments 242 and 243 closer to spinal support 200.

Figures lOA-lOC show a variety of configurations of arm 204. Figure 1OA shows arm 204 comprising a substantially rectangular cross section of a resilient material.

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Figure 1OB shows arm 204 comprising a forward backing 388 and a rearward backing 384 in which rearward backing 384 substantially follows the contour of resilient arm supports 382.

Optionally, the forward backing 388 and/or the rearward backing 384 are removably connected to the resilient arm supports 382.

In embodiments, multiple removably connected forward backings 388 and/or rearward backings 384 in a variety of colors are provided in a kit so that a user may exchange a forward backing 388 having a first color with a forward backing having a second color. In this manner, when pelvic anchor brace 100 is worn exterior to the user garments, the user has the option to configure pelvic anchor brace 100 to match the colors of a variety of garments.

In still further embodiments, multiple removably connected forward backings 388 and/or rearward backings 384 include compressible materials, each having a different compressibility. By switching between the various forward backings 388 and/or rearward backings 384, the user changes the pressure with which pelvic anchor brace 100 presses on pelvic abutments 242 and 243, thereby influencing the comfort level provided by arms 204 and 205.

Resilient arm supports 382 have a substantially half circle cross sectional shape. In Figure 1OC, rearward backing 384 includes a space 398 between resilient arm supports 389.

While resilient arm supports 389 are shown as having substantially circular cross section, arm supports 389 can have any one of a variety of cross sectional configurations, including: triangular, rectangular or any one of many polygonal shapes.

In embodiments, resilient arm supports 382 (Figure 10B) and 389 (Figure 10C), and arms 204 and 205 (Figure 9) comprise materials selected from the group consisting of: nitinol, stainless steel shape memory materials, metals, synthetic biostable polymer, a natural polymer, titanium, pyrolytic carbon, carbon-reinforced materials and plastic.

In embodiments, superior padded member 201, inferior padded member 203, left pelvis abutment 242 and/or right pelvis abutment 243, (Figure 1) comprise a silicone rubber (for example, Silastic by Dow-Corning Corporation, Midlan, MI,

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U.S.A.), a thermoset material, or a polyester (ester imide), for example Dacron® by Invista, Wichita, KS, U.S.A.) and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively, superior padded member 201, inferior padded member 203, left pelvis abutment 242 and/or right pelvis abutment 243, comprise sponge, foam materials and any one of a variety of compressible materials.

It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant supportive materials will be developed and the scope of the terms back brace and/or pelvic anchor brace are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term "about" refers to ± 10 %.

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EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non-limiting fashion.

Figure 11 shows a frontal view of an embodiment of pelvic anchor brace 100 being worn by a user.

Figure 12 shows a side view of the embodiment of pelvic anchor brace 100 shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows a close up of a side view of spinal support 200 shown in Figure 12.

The user above wore the embodiment of pelvic anchor brace 100 shown in Figures 11-13 and was substantially relieved of lower back discomfort.

In addition, the inventors found that in certain cases, pelvic anchor brace 100 appears to present some advantages over lower back supports, noted in the summary, in that pelvic anchor brace 100 anchors on pelvic portions 232 and 233 which are substantially fixed in position and substantially unaffected by radially outward expansion of the abdomen during, for example, breathing.

In distinct contrast, U.S. Patents 5,086,759 (Buddingh), and 5,551,085 (Leighton) and International Patent WO2004037135 (Weaver) comprise belts that entirely circle the user abdomen and are affected by outward radial changes during breathing, eating, and/or posture change. Back supports that encircle the abdomen continually change position when the abdomen expands, for example after a meal, and thereby change their position and pressure on vertebra 262; which can be detrimental to user comfort and/or spinal therapy.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

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Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

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