Abstract:
The apparatus includes an array of trigger point probes symmetrically positioned about a central vertical plane of the apparatus, the array including at least two of a pair of upper neck pair of probes, an upper back and shoulder blade pair of probes, a mid back pair of probes, and a lower back pair. Over the probes is Therein is provided a shell resembling the appearance of a human back, the shell provided with apertures sufficient in dimension and location to permit slidable passage of ends of the probes thru the shell. The probes are secured, at a base thereof to a vibratory vertical plane which is secured to a non-vibratory vertical plane secured to a wall. The non-vibratory plane includes lateral extensions that extend to form left and right handles by which a user of the apparatus may select and maintain locations of the back requiring application of pressure to release of trigger point contractions and the like.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/315,661, filed Dec. 8, 2008, and the same is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a device based upon principles of trigger point therapy, particularly adapted for utility in physical fitness centers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention addresses the need for an effective, convenient and affordable trigger point therapy article useful particularly in physical fitness centers during periods prior to or after a workout. In other words, use to contribute to the process of loosening up or stretching before exercise as well as to minimize the formation of troublesome muscle knots, aches or the like before or following a period of exercise. 
         [0004]    So-called trigger point or referred pain is generally the result of contracted knots in muscle tissue, known as trigger points. A trigger point is a small contraction in muscle fiber which, to the finger tips, feels like a small bump or lump and can range in size from a pin head to that of a walnut. Trigger point contraction affects muscles by keeping them tight and weak and often by generating referred pain to nearby areas. This occurs because a muscle which is too tight causes a constant tension upon muscle fibers which, in turn, produce symptoms in adjacent joints, ligaments or other tissue. Results thereof may be limitations in range of motion of the muscle as well as compression of blood vessels and nerves, this causing such symptoms as headaches, neck pain, upper and lower back pain, and other symptoms which are often erroneously ascribed to arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, or ligament injury. 
         [0005]    The prior art, as exemplified by U.S. Application Publication US2008/0139981 (2008) to Walquist et al, entitled Trigger Point Therapy Device, teaches that self-applied trigger point therapy can be effective and can accomplish at least three benefits, namely, breaking into the chemical and neurological feedback loop that maintains proper muscle contraction; increasing circulation that has been restricted by contracted tissue; and directly stretching knotted muscle fibers of the trigger point itself. It is noted that the structure of Walquist does not afford the strength, stability, or safety of use necessary in a fitness center environment. 
         [0006]    Self-treatment of trigger point issues is often preferable to professional therapy if a condition can be addressed before it becomes too severe. The consequences of non-treatment can be highly adverse and can include the need for pain medication, surgery, electrotherapy, injections, chiropractic treatment, and acupuncture procedures. 
         [0007]    The present invention addresses self-therapy, however through the use of a relatively simple mechanical device in the nature of a rigid board which is attached to a wall. In a preferred use, this wall is located within a physical fitness facility so that it may be used for both preventative and therapeutic purposes. The use of the inventive device however is not limited to health spa facilities. Further, the inventive device, unlike prior art such as Walquist, does not require continual repositioning or selection of a trigger point probe by the end user. Examples of devices in the art which exhibit this same limitation include UK Published Patent Specification No. 1,410,944 (1975) to Lloyd, entitled Massage Board; and WIPO Publication WO 02/05742 A1 (2002) to Campbell, entitled Apparatus For Massaging A Human Body. Other prior art which requires continual repositioning of an acupressure, trigger point or massage probe are U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,237 (1984) to Lewis, entitled Self Acupressure Apparatus; U.S. Application Publication US 2004/0106882 (2004) to Tseng, entitled Kneading Massage Structure; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,778 (2008) to Warder, entitled Whole Body Massage Tool Utilizing Gravity For Energy. 
         [0008]    Further, none of the above references are practical for purposes of use in a health spa facility because of the personalization of the trigger point probes needed before the device can be used. 
         [0009]    Certain therapeutic massage devices for use in conjunction with hydrotherapy are known in the art as, for example, are represented by U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,868 (1999) to VandeBerg, entitled Deep Muscle Knot Relaxing Device and Methods; and U.S. Application Publication U.S. 2004/0078885 (2004) to Walker, entitled Tactile Therapy System For Spas. The latter is more particularly directed to reflexology of the hand or foot in conjunction with hydrotherapy. The probes of VandeBerg are not optimized to address trigger point contraction. Related devices of this character directed to reflexology only are represented by U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,553 (1989) to Voykin. 
         [0010]    There exist a small number of prior art devices which employ a board or substrate and with which a self-administered back massage may be effected. These are U.S. Application Publication US 2002/0068888 (2002) to Wang; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,087,004 (2006) to Berke, entitled Self-Administered Back Massage. Both of these devices address only a small area of the back and the probes thereof are not adapted in shape to treat trigger point issues as set forth herein. 
         [0011]    While the above reference to VandeBerg relates to deep a muscle knot-relaxing device, the probes thereof are always positioned at a fixed distance relative to each other and, more importantly, are designed to assure that only one probe at a time is employed. In distinction, the present invention is intended to assure that a minimum of two probes at a time, and often several, are operative at the same time. Accordingly, while VandeBerg recognizes the importance of trigger points that exist in a human back, it does not provide a solution practical for use in a physical fitness facility in which only limited time is available to relieve pressure upon many different trigger points. As such, VandeBerg does not recognize that deep muscle fiber spreading to relieve muscle knots at trigger points can be addressed on a multiple location basis to yield both multiple, synergistic and more efficient benefits. The functionality of Vandeberg is also reliant upon its use in association with hydrostatic pressure beneath the base thereof. 
         [0012]    The within invention addresses these deficiencies in the prior art. 
         [0013]    This and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the Detailed Description of the Invention, the Drawings and Claims that follows. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The apparatus includes an array of trigger point probes symmetrically positioned about a central vertical plane of said apparatus, said array comprising at least two of a pair of upper neck pair of probes, an upper back and shoulder blade pair of probes, a mid back pair of probes, and a lower back pair. Thereupon is provided a shell resembling the appearance of a human back. Said shell is provided with a plurality of apertures sufficient in dimension and location to permit slidable passage of ends of said probes thru said shell. Said probes are secured at a base thereof to a vibratory vertical plane secured to a non-vibratory vertical plane secured to a wall. Said non-vibratory plate includes lateral extensions that extend to form left and right handles by which a user of said apparatus may select locations of the back requiring application of pressure to release of trigger point contractions and the like. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus particularly adapted for use in personal fitness centers, to accomplish the application of pressure to muscular knots and the like, clinically known as trigger points. 
         [0016]    It is another object to provide an effective, convenient and affordable apparatus for the accomplishment of both trigger point therapy and to assist in loosening-up or stretching before exercise to minimize the potential for the formation of muscle knots or trigger points as a result of exercise. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a device particularly adapted for self-application of muscle knot therapy through the application of cross-fiber friction, clinically known as petrissage. 
         [0018]    It is a yet further object to provide an apparatus of the above type particularly adapted to access pressure points by simple vertical and horizontal motion by a user of his back against the inventive apparatus. 
         [0019]    A further object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for self application of pressure to multiple groups of trigger points at the same time. 
         [0020]    The above and yet other objects and advantages will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims appended herewith. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of the inventive device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side breakaway view of the inventive apparatus for application of pressure to trigger points of the human back. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the inventive apparatus with the front housing thereof removed. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a diagonal perspective view of the vibration inducing portion of the inventive apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a back elevational view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a vertical cross-sectional view showing therein the geometry of the trigger point probes of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a schematic physiologic view of selected trigger points of the upper back and shoulder blade area addressed by the device, as is more fully set forth herein. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a schematic physiologic view showing trigger points in the area of shoulder and lower blades, as is more fully set forth herein. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a rear physiologic view showing trigger points of the mid and lower back, as is more fully addressed below. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a schematic physiologic view of the back showing additional trigger points addressed by the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a schematic physiologic view of trigger point contractions within a group of muscle fibers. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view showing the effect of the apex of a probe of the invention to apply pressure to a contracted trigger point of within muscle fibers shown in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a front plan view of a further embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    A trigger point  18  within a muscle  19  arises when over-stimulated or extended muscle fibers  20  are unable to release from their contracted state. See  FIG. 12 . This effect, as above noted, can range in dimension from the size of a pin head to that of a walnut. However, most trigger points exist as small lumps or nodules within the muscle or as groups thereof. A muscle fiber, in its normal resting state, is neither stretched nor contracted and as such defines a relatively linear tissue. As is more fully set forth below, certain muscle groups, including groups within the neck and back that are addressed by the present invention, recur as significant areas of trigger point distress. The nodules within muscle fiber defined by trigger points affect not simply the muscle per se but, as well, the means by which the muscle attaches to ligaments or bone. Thereby, the effect of a distressed trigger point is often transmitted to tissue which is some distance away—a phenomenon known as referred pain. 
         [0036]    In general, muscle fiber is formed of a vast number of cells  43  known as sarcomeres which act as microscopic pumps, contracting and releasing, to facilitate the circulation of blood through the capillaries to supply their metabolic needs. However, when sarcomeres hold their contraction after a voluntary use of a muscle group has occurred, blood flow essentially stops in that immediate area, the result being oxygen starvation and accumulation of waste products of metabolism which in turn form and irritate the trigger point  18 . Trigger point irritation, if untreated, enters an emergency mode by sending out pain signals until the brain institutes an instruction forcing the affected muscle to shut down. This is most typically felt as a shortening or tightening up of the affected muscle. Clearly, it is the interest of everyone, and fitness interested persons in particular, to take reasonable steps to prevent, minimize, or relieve the contraction of the sarcomeres of which all muscle fiber is formed. 
         [0037]    Certain muscle groups of the shoulder, neck, upper, mid and lower back are particularly common areas of trigger point irritation. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 1  may be seen the generalized appearance of the inventive system  10 , which includes a shell  12 , optionally having the appearance of muscles of the back, and a plurality of probes  14 . 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 2  may be seen the relationship between an exterior shell  12  shown in  FIG. 1 , and a plurality of probes  14 . In  FIG. 2 , probes  30 ,  40 ,  50  and  54  may be observed. The base of these probes are attached to the vibrating plate  21  which may be more fully appreciated with reference to the views of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Upon vibrating plate  21  is secured a vibrating motor  27  (see also  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 ) which in turn is secured to the vibrating plate  21  by motor mounts  29  (see  FIG. 4 ). Vibrating plate  21  is, through bolts  31 , secured to a slidable plate  23  (see also  FIGS. 2-6 ). That is, apertures  45  (see  FIG. 4 ) within slidable plates  23  permit a measure of angular adjustability (relative to the vertical) of slidable plate  23 , this in combination with upper brackets  37  which effect attachment of slidable plate  23  to a wall  47  (see  FIG. 4 ). The lower portion of slidable plate is secured to wall  37  through the use of lower brackets  39 . 
         [0040]    As may be noted in the back view of  FIG. 6 , there are provided wall plates  25  which, together with said brackets  37  and  39 , effect attachment of the vibrating assembly of the present system to wall  47 . Between wall plates  25  and wall  47  are provided vertical pipes or members  41  (see  FIG. 6 ) which are secured to sliding plate  23  by brackets  49 . 
         [0041]    Further shown in  FIGS. 2 through 6  are handles  33  which are secured within projections  35  of sliding plate  23  (see  FIG. 3 ). The position of said handles relative to the vertical may be controlled by a mechanism  53  (see  FIG. 6 ) through which a change in the effective length of member  55  will change the position of circular base  57  of the handle  53 , thereby altering its orientation relative to the vertical. For example, a non-vertical orientation of handles  33  is shown in the view of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0042]    Shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  are damping bearings  25 A which also provide an offset between sliding plate  23  and wall plates  25  and further provides a damping effect upon pressure applied to the back of the user by probes  14 . 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 13 , it may be seen that shell  12  directs all probes  14  and that each probe defines a height H of projection beyond shell  12 , a base dimension B, and terminates in a rounded apex  16 . The radius R of the apex  16  of each probe (see  FIG. 13 ) must be carefully chosen so that the penetration effected thereby is neither too shallow to accomplish meaningful release of trigger point contraction nor too sharp as to cause injury to the user. As such, a preferred radius R of apex  16  of probe  14  is in the range of 3 to 15 millimeters. That is, the diameter of probe base B is in a range of 6 to 30 millimeters. 
         [0044]    Shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  are contracted trigger points  18  as well as normal muscle fiber  20  therebetween. See  FIG. 12 . From  FIGS. 7 and 13 , it may be appreciated that selection of the proper radius R for the apex  16  of probe  14  is a material consideration in optimizing the function of the inventive device, as is the relation between probe extension height H and probe base diameter B. Typical values of H are in a range of 1 to 5 cm, so that the value of A is typically in a range of 2 to 3 times the value of B. Persons not concerned with, or unknowledgeable in regard to, optimizing release of trigger point contraction will typically employ probes having too great a radius. This is reflected in the above cited references to VandeBerg, Wang, Berke and Walquist. Some prior art, such as Lloyd above, teaches the use of massage probes that are pointed, such that their use requires a trained professional. 
         [0045]    A full understanding of the instant invention requires an appreciation of the trigger points or trigger point groups which are salient in the muscle groups of the human back and which are most commonly sources of stress, strain, or referred pain by body builders and exercise-conscious individuals. More particularly, shown in  FIG. 8  are rhomboid trigger points  22  which are located just inward of the shoulder blades. Shown to the left of  FIG. 8  are a serratus posterior superior trigger point group  24  and a supraspinatus group  26 . As may be noted, the serratus posterior superior group, at its inward portion, approaches the supraspinatus group. These muscle groups are common areas of trigger point pain in that the upper back and shoulders are used in many forms and types of exercise. These muscle groups are specifically accessible by probes  28  and  30  (see  FIG. 1 ) particularly if one positions one&#39;s back to optimize contact with the affected muscle groups. 
         [0046]    As may be appreciated with reference to  FIG. 1 , the instant invention provides absolute symmetry between the left and right sides of the device and the probes thereof. As such, even though the physiological illustrations of  FIGS. 8-11  show muscle groups on either one or the other side of the back, it is to be understood the muscle groups of the back are completely symmetric thereby, even if a user of the instant device does so because of pain, tightness or the like in a given muscle group on one side of the back, the user may simultaneously effect a preventative treatment of the same muscle group on the opposite side of the back. 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 9  is shown infraspinatus trigger points  32  and teres minor trigger points  34 . The teres major trigger points  36  are shown to the left of  FIG. 9 . Most of these muscle and trigger point groups may be readily reached by probes  38  and  40  of the device  10  (see  FIG. 1 ), particularly if one moves one&#39;s back up and down relative to the base  12  of the device. Accordingly, it is anticipated that users will bend their knees or tilt their body as necessary to optimize contact between given symmetric probes or upper and lower probe groups and trigger points that are a cause of stiffness in a given area or in which the user, based upon personal historic experience, wishes to maximize flexibility of. 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 10  are shown lower back trigger points which include trigger point  42  associated with the multifidi muscle trigger point and associated with the levator costae muscle trigger point  44 . Also shown is gluteus group  46 . These, as are well known to athletes, are common sources of distress. These areas are addressed by probes  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  (see  FIG. 1 ), understanding that each trigger point group shown in  FIG. 10  exists symmetrically upon each side of the back. Accordingly, both the left and right of each trigger point group are concurrently treated by the use of the present device and, as well, one is able to address trigger points of multiple muscle groups at the same time. 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 11  is shown three somewhat separated trigger point groups  56 , all however associated with the Iliocostalis muscle group. Trigger point  58  of the serratus posterior anterior trigger point exists near to the middle of the above-referenced iliocostalis group  56 . Trigger point  60  relative to the quadratus lumborum muscle is also shown in  FIG. 11 . Further shown therein is trigger point  62  associated with the serratus posterior anterior muscle. As may be appreciated, all muscle groups shown in  FIG. 11  are frequent issues to persons who exercise regularly, particularly in a gym using the array of exercise machinery that is commonly available. 
         [0050]    It is further contemplated that the inventive device may be positioned upon a rack having attachment points at various heights, this to accommodate person of different heights. Similarly, the product may be offered in a number of sizes such as small, medium and large including a size particularly adapted to the female anatomy of the back. 
         [0051]    It is to be appreciated that a squat frustoconical geometry for the probes  14  provides an alternative to spherical probe ends shown in  FIG. 13 . When molded integrally or properly attached to vibrating plate  21  exceedingly stable and possess a minimum torque arm. i.e., height H including apex  16  has little torque relative to plate  21  thereby improving both the stability of the device and its usable lifetime, unlike many of the probes in devices of the prior art which are substantially elongate and, as such, would have a minimal life in a gym or body building environment. As such, and as may be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 12 , the extension dimension H of the probe is generally about 2 to 3 times that of the diameter B of each probe, thus producing a sturdy and durable structure having an extended lifetime, particularly when molded of a properly selected polymer such as polycarbonate. As may be noted in  FIG. 2 , shell  12  also plays an important role in stabilizing the probes  14 . 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 14  is shown a further embodiment  100  of the invention including a flat base  112  and a plurality of probes  44 , all of which are similar in geometry and location to above described probes  28 ,  30 ,  38 ,  40 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54 . 
         [0053]    While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.