Abstract:
A back belt including magnets, and a thermally active gel material to provide magnetic and thermal induced lower back pain relief. The magnets are arranged in multiple quadrapolar pods, which are secured to a contour-conforming, resilient support web. Preferably, an interior sheet sandwiches the pods and gel material between it and an exterior sheet in a cross-shaped array within the support web. In a more preferred embodiment, the belt includes a fastening strap that neatly secures excess belt by wrapping around the excess belt and drawing that excess against the remainder of the belt. In a preferred process of manufacturing the back belt, multiple quadrapolar magnet pods and the gel material are secured to a support web. Belt straps are secured to the support web. More preferably, a fastening strap is secured to at least one of the belt straps.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a therapeutic back belt, and more particularly to a back belt including magnets that address pain originating in the lower back. 
     The application of magnetic fields to areas of the human body experiencing pain has become a widely accepted method of treating that pain. Such treatment is sometimes preferred over other conventional methods, such as surgery or administration of drugs, because, among other reasons, it is less invasive. It is believed that when a magnetic field is applied to an area of localized pain, it blocks chemical channels in nerve cells in the area of pain. As a result, the generation of pain impulses from the nerve cells, and subsequent transmission along the nerve cell fibers to the brain is reduced, thereby relieving the pain. 
     Magnetic therapy has proven to be particularly helpful in reducing lower back pain, that is, pain originating in the sacral or lumbar regions of the back. One device used to provide magnetic therapy to the lower back is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,596 to Shumiyashu. In Shumiyashu, an array of magnets is positioned on a belt so that all the magnets exert either a positive or a negative magnetic field toward the lower back when the belt is worn around the waist of a user. The magnets are maintained in fixed positions relative to one another with a rigid plastic support sheet so that they do not attract one another and collapse the belt into a ball. 
     Although prior art magnetic back belts provide therapeutic magnetic fields to treat lower back pain, they suffer from several shortcomings. First, because the magnetic array covers the entire lower back region, the belts are singular in function, providing only magnetic therapeutic relief for lower back pain. Second, because all the magnets in the array are positioned to exert only either a positive or a negative field toward the lower back, it is believed that treated nerve cells in the lower back become accustomed to the same, singular field and reinitiate transmission of pain signals from the nerve cells over time. Further, the rigid plate, which prevents mutual magnetic attraction or repulsion of the magnets relative to one another, makes conventional magnetic belts uncomfortable to wear, restricts movement of a wearer and applies uneven pressure across the lower back. Finally, the adjustment straps of typical belts are designed to be of a length long enough to fit around the waist of the largest dimensioned users. Thus, small-dimensioned users must either cut-off excess strap material or stuff it under the other adjustment strap so that it does not hang loosely. By cutting an end of the belt off, it cannot be transferred to a larger user. Moreover, stuffing one strap under the other usually creates a mass of adjustment straps that is difficult to conceal under clothing and can be uncomfortable. In some cases, manufacturers produce belts of several sizes to accommodate a range of different waist sizes, however, this complicates manufacturing and distribution. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned problems are overcome in the present invention wherein a back belt includes a contour-forming support web having multiple magnetic bodies and a material that provides both magnetic pain relief, thermal comfort, and muscle relaxation to the lower back. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, magnetic bodies are disposed on an elastic, contour-forming support web, having adjustment straps attached thereto. A gel region is also included in the web. 
     In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic bodies are disposed in a group, or “pod,” of four magnets, each having two opposing (positive and negative) poles. Two positive poles of two magnets and two negative poles of two of the other magnets are disposed in a single plane in a diagonally alternating configuration. 
     In a more preferred embodiment, the pods are disposed in a cross-shape, with a column of pods aligned with the vertebrae of a user and a row of pods perpendicular to the column and configured to align across the lower lumbar-sacral region. The support web may include an opening at the intersection of the row and column of magnetic pods. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, the belt includes a fastening strap to neatly secure any excess portion of the belt to the remainder of the belt when the belt is positioned around a user&#39;s waist. 
     The back belt of the present invention provides many benefits. First, it is multi-functional, providing both magnetic fields and thermal properties to relieve and/or reduce pain originating in the lower back. Second, the flexible support web allows the magnetic pods to conform closely to the contours of the lower back, thereby bringing the magnetic fields closer to the nerves therein for pain treatment. Moreover, with the body conforming fit, the belt does not ride-up a user&#39;s back, provides the user with a greater range of motion and significantly reduces the likelihood of pinching skin between the web and the belt. Third, with the quadrapolar magnetic pods, both positive and negative magnetic fields are applied to the nerves in the lower back to provide alternating magnetic forces to those nerves. Finally, the fastening strap of the present invention eliminates unsightly loose or bunched belt ends. 
     These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the back belt of the present invention disposed around the waist of a user; 
     FIG. 2 is an interior view of the back belt laid open; 
     FIG. 3 is an exterior view of the back belt laid open; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the back belt taken along line  4 — 4  of the FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a magnet pod of the back belt; 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of magnets of the back belt positioned over a wearer&#39;s back muscles; 
     FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a fastening strap of the back belt; 
     FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the fastening strap; 
     FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a fastening strap in an alternative configuration; 
     FIG. 11 is a second rear perspective view of the fastening strap in the alternative configuration; and 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of the fastening strap in operation. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A preferred embodiment of the back belt  10  of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and generally includes support web  20 , and adjustment straps  50  and  60 . The support web  20  further includes gel region  30 , magnetic bodies, or “pods”  40 , and defines locating aperture  48 . In use, the adjustment straps are wrapped around the waist of a user so that the support web  20  is positioned over the lumbar-sacral region of the user&#39;s back. 
     With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the support web will now be described. The magnetic bodies or pods  40  disposed in the support web  20  are configured in a somewhat cross shape, with a column of pods positioned to align along the spine of a wearer. A row of pods is disposed perpendicular to the column of pods and positioned to align substantially across the lower sacral muscles. FIG. 7 shows by outline, the preferred location of the magnet pods  40  on the body. The column  43  of magnet pods  40  is parallel to and aligned with the spine and the row  45  of magnet pods  40  is substantially perpendicular to the column and disposed over the lower sacral muscles. With the pods  40  arranged in this configuration, it is believed that the magnetic fields generated by the pods  40  may be positioned over the spine to relieve lower back pain. Preferably, each of the pods in the column  43  along the spine exert about 1000-1200 Gauss in the region of the back adjacent to the pod. Preferably, each of the magnetic pods in the row  45  perpendicular to the column disposed substantially over the lower sacral regions exert about 1300-1500 Gauss in the region of the back adjacent to the pod. Over the entire region of the back that the support web is positioned over, the Gauss exerted on that region is preferably 100-5000 Gauss, more preferably 1000-3000, even more preferably 1500-2000 and most preferably about 1500 Gauss. 
     Preferably, each pod  40  includes magnets configured as shown in FIG. 6 with four polar magnetic bodies  40   a - 40   d . Preferably, the magnetic bodies are disposed in a quadrapolar group, having two positive circular magnetic poles and two negative circular poles of approximately equal strength lying substantially in a first plane. The magnetic bodies are orientated such that the two positive poles and two negative poles lying in the first plane define the four vertices of a rectangular shape with the two positive poles defining two diagonal vertices and the two negative poles defining opposite vertices of the rectangular shape. The configuration of the four magnetic bodies is preferably constructed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,321 to Holcomb, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Optionally, the magnets are secured to washer  42  which is configured to add rigidity and hold the quadrapolar group of magnets in position during use. Preferably, the washer is positioned opposite of the body to channel the magnetic field to the body. With further reference to FIGS. 2-5, the gel region will now be described. As shown in FIGS. 2,  4  and  5 , the gel region is substantially configured in a cross-like shape substantially corresponding with the column and rows of pods  40 . The gel region  30  is constructed of a conventional gel and/or gel-like material, such as gel foam, which is commonly known as a gel, or polymer, which, depending on the type of polymer, may or may not be known as a gel. The type of gel material used may be that commercially available for heat or ice compresses or packs. This material is preferably refreezeable and capable of being heated prior to use. Optionally, the gel region may be compartmentalized with separating elements  34 . If one of the compartments ruptures, the other compartments are still functional. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 show the layered construction of the support web  20 . That web is generally constructed of inner sheet  22  and outer sheet  24 . Both sheets are preferably stretchable, resilient and/or substantially elastic material, such as the material sold under the trade name Lycra®. With an elastic sheet construction, the support web conforms to the contours of a user&#39;s back when the belt  10  is worn about a user&#39;s waist. The sheets as described may be substantially elastic to enhance the support web&#39;s conformity to the contour of a user&#39;s back when the belt is worn around the user&#39;s waist. 
     The sheets are secured to one another around the gel region  30 , which is preferably substantially filled with the gel as described above. The sheets may be secured with a suitable adhesive, sewn or fused together in a welding or heating process. At the edges of the support web  20 , a trim piece or border  36  may be secured over the free edges of the sheets  22  and  24  to produce a finished appearance and prevent fraying of the free edges. This trim piece  36  may be secured to the sheets with stitching  38  through the trim piece and through the sheets. Optionally, the terminal edges may be stitched to one another without a trim piece. Alternatively, one of the edges, for example, the edge of the outer sheet  24  may extend past the edge of the inner sheet  22  and double over onto the inner sheet. The two sheets may then be stitched together in this doubled over region. This will conceal the joint. The edge of sheets may also be left unsecured. 
     Inner  22  and outer  24  sheets also define a locating aperture  48 , which is generally positioned at the intersection of the column and row of magnetic pods  40 . The inner  22  and outer  24  sheets preferably are sealed together along the edges defining the aperture. The locating aperture assists the user in positioning the column over the spine and row over the lower sacral muscles. For example, the user may put a finger through the aperture and feel the spine as she places the belt  10  about her waist. 
     The inner  22  and outer  24  sheets may further define ventilating apertures  44  to ventilate a user&#39;s back when the belt is worn. The positioning and number of the ventilating apertures may be selected as desired to maximize ventilation efficiency. 
     With reference to FIGS.  1  and  8 - 11 , the adjusting straps  50  and  60  of the preferred embodiment will now be described. The adjusting straps are preferably constructed of an elastic material, for example, a woven elastic material, or materials available under the trade names Lycra® and Spandex®. Preferably one end of each of the straps is secured to the support web  20  with stitching, adhesive or other fastener. Alternatively, the adjustment straps  50  and  60  may be a single strap that crosses and is secured to the support web  20 . Optionally, a reinforcement strap  52  may further connect the adjustment straps across the support web  20  to assist in pulling the support web close to the spinal and lumbar sacral muscles. This reinforcement strap is preferably constructed of a resilient material, such as Lycra®, and includes ventilation apertures  54  to enhance ventilation of the user&#39;s back under the support web. 
     In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the straps terminate at ends  52  and  62 . One hook-and-loop type fastener is secured to front face  58  of strap  50  and the other corresponding hook-and-loop type fastener is secured to a patch  64  on the rear side of strap  60 . Patch  64  is of a sufficient size to form a strong connection with the front face  58  of strap  50  when the belt is worn. A user may perform adjustments to make the belt fit more or less tightly by attaching the hook-and-loop type fastener  64  at different locations along the length of the strap  50 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the strap  50  may be doubled over on itself or on main body  56  of the strap  50 , if the straps are too long and form an excess portion  55 . This situation is desirable if the straps are greater in length than the distance around a user&#39;s waist. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the straps may be overlapped on one another. For example, end  52  overlaps main body  66  of the strap  60  and end  62  overlaps main body  56  of strap  50 . The hook-and-loop type fastener of patch  64  secures end  62  to the face  58  of the main body  56 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, one of the adjusting straps  50  and  60  includes a fastening strap  80 , preferably at a free end  52  or  62 . A first end of the fastening strap  84  is secured to the strap  50 , preferably adjacent its free end  52 . The fastening strap  80  may be made of a resilient material such as nylon webbing or stretchable material of a sufficient length so that the free end  82  may be wrapped substantially around the main body  56  of the strap  50  and onto the opposite side, along the excess portion  55  if such an excess portion exists. The end portion  82  preferably includes a hook-and-loop type fastener complimentary to the hook-and-loop type fastener on the face  58  to allow the end portion  82  to be secured to the excess portion in region  54  or near the end  52 . This fastening strap feature  80  allows excess straps to be effectively and neatly stored away to prevent unsightly and uncomfortable bunched portions of the strap. It also makes it unnecessary to cut off the excess strap end if the belt is worn by a user with a small waist, that is, with measurements less than the length of the straps  50  and  60 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the same fastening strap  80  may be used to secure straps  50  and  60  to one another by wrapping the fastening strap  80  around the adjusting strap  60  and twisting the end  82  so that the hook-and-loop type fastener contacts the opposing hook-and-loop type fastener on the opposing fastener member  54  adjacent the end  52 . Optionally, the end of the fastening strap  80  may be outfitted with an opposing hook-and-loop type fastener  85  on the opposite side of the end so that the fastening strap  80  need not be twisted when disposed around the adjusting strap  60 . For example, in FIG. 11 the fastening strap  80  would not be twisted, and the hook-and-loop type fastener  85  would be directly fastened to the hook-and-loop fastening member  54 . 
     With reference to FIG. 12, the operation of the belt will now be described. A user may position the belt around the user&#39;s waist as shown, with the adjusting straps  50  and  60  positioned so that ends  52  and  62  are generally in front of the user&#39;s torso. If the belt is too long, so that the end  52  does not marginally overlap the other end  62 , the excess portion  55  of the belt  50  may be doubled over on the main body  56  of the strap  50 . Fastening strap  80  is then wrapped substantially around the adjusting strap  50  along the main body so that the free end  82  faces the front face of the fastening strap (concealed on the excess portion and facing the user&#39;s body). The hook-and-loop fastener on the end of the strap  82  is then engaged against the opposing hook-and-loop type fastener on the concealed face  58  of the adjusting strap to secure the excess portion  55  to the main body of the belt  56 . The end  62  of the belt  60  is then positioned over the face  58  of the adjusting strap  50  and secured thereto, thereby securing the belt  10  around the waist of the user and neatly storing away the excess portion  55 . 
     The above descriptions are those of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any references to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.