Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a home therapy system for aiding spinal cord decompression and for treating related health issues. More specifically, the present invention teaches a garment system combining an upper portion and lower portion. According to a preferred embodiment, the upper portion includes a head band and yoke for cervical vertebra disc decompression and for aiding in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea by repositioning and opening up breathing airways. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lower portion includes vertical decompression straps attached to leg bands and extending over the shoulders for thoracic and lumbar disc decompression by arching the spinal column back and opening the vertebra.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/183,390 entitled “SPINAL DECOMPRESSION AND SLEEP THERAPY SYSTEM” filed Feb. 18, 2014 which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a home therapy system for aiding spinal cord decompression and in particular, to a garment system combining an upper portion having a head band and yoke for cervical vertebra disc decompression; and a lower portion having vertical decompression straps attached to leg bands and extending over the shoulders for thoracic and lumbar disc decompression. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The human body is designed to stand vertically upright, with the chin up slightly and the head positioned forward angled toward the horizon. Today, the common use of electronics forces users to spend hours every day looking down and thereby exerting damaging pressure on the C1 through C7 anterior cervical vertebra discs causing disc degeneration. The head weighs 8 to 12 pounds and for every centimeter the head is tilted forward there is a substantial increase in damaging pressure on the anterior cervical disc, resulting in nerve blockage over time. 
     When a disc degenerates, its ability to resist loads and pressure is greatly compromised and the peripheral nerves leading from the spinal column are affected. The affected areas supported by these peripheral nerves will become denervated over time and lose their intended functions as the disc become flatter causing increased damage to the peripheral nerves. This situation could cause pain, tingling or numbness in the affected areas, or if the affected area is the Pharynx, loose obstructive tissue, or double chins with a chicken neck appearance. The peripheral nervous system allows for the brain to direct and control every chemical reaction in every cell in the body so when these nerves are pinched, stretched or inflamed due to damaged disc the affected areas are compromised from their optimal functionality sometimes causing symptomatic diseases we experience today. The decompression of the entire spinal column allows the brain to send and receive the nerve impulses required for healing of the body&#39;s organs, systems, bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Home spinal decompression devices have been proposed for various uses, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,705 to Saunders et al. in which a pneumatic traction force is generated by a hand pump operated by the patient. This apparatus is expensive, bulky, inconvenient and not wholly restorative. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,971 to Becerra discloses a spinal mobilization treatment system with multi-dimensional force application. Similar to the device of Saunders et al., the patient lies upright on this apparatus and a harness and cable are attached to a computer device which applies forces at different angles. 
     As with Saunders et al. and Becerra, U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,287 to Hoffman et al. also consists of harnessing the patient to a device in which forces are applied using traction in order to reposition the spine in a pain-free position for performing exercises. The apparatus of Hoffman may be useful in a physical therapy setting for acute back pain suffers but it offers no long term passive mode of restoration to the spine and nervous system. Further, it fails to promote the natural tendency of the body to heal itself during periods of sleep. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,047 to Mandelzis et al. teaches a design to promote a good sleeping position by passively distributing body mass and muscle tension forces in a unidirectional fashion. This design includes a spinal length mattress made of memory foam. While this design may provide a certain degree of comfort while sleeping, it is limited in its therapeutic benefits. Further, the foam mattress of Mandelzis is bulky and relatively costly. 
     Other traction devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,628 to Campanaro et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,892 to Reinecke and U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,432 to Reinecke et al. also employ pulleys or cables, support belts, lifting mechanisms and digital devices for applying pressure to manipulate a patient&#39;s spine into proper alignment. Each of the designs presents complicated mechanisms for applying unnatural forces to a patient&#39;s torso during specific periods of exercise or therapy in which treatment must be monitored. Together, these devices, along with all related prior art, simply fail to provide the relief and healing of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, a non-chemical, non-invasive, lightweight, portable system and apparatus to promote natural healing is provided. More specifically, the spinal vertebra disc decompression, exercise and sleep therapy apparatus of the present invention provides therapy to reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort caused by pinched nerves while increasing health, energy, stamina and alertness. 
     According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention has an upper portion and a lower portion. Preferably, the upper portion includes a light weight elastic head band, a light weight yoke to gently pull the shoulders back, and vertical decompression straps stretched between the head band and the yoke strap to gently pull the head back. The lower portion includes leg bands around the upper thighs of the wearer and vertical decompression straps attached to the leg bands. For the lower portion, each vertical decompression strap preferably attaches between a single leg band by extending up from the outer thigh region of the leg band and running across the back of the wearer, over the opposite shoulder and then running under the arm and back across the back of the wearer to attach to the outer thigh region of the same leg band. By crisscrossing the straps across the body, a four strap system is created which manipulates the thoracic and lumbar spinal column by gently pulling the spinal column back, opening up the spinal column. This apparatus preferably weighs less than one pound and can be easily stored, transported and assembled. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that it repositions and opens the airways of the wearer decreasing obstruction in the airway which causes snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea allowing for increased oxygen intake. Still further, the present invention allows for the strengthening of the neck muscles and tendons and helps improve the appearance of the chin and neck by firming the muscles and tendons in the neck. 
     These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings. As would be obvious to one skilled in the art, many variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows example attachment and adjustment points for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows example attachment and adjustment points for an exemplary upper portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   a  shows an anterior illustration of a figure wearing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   b  shows a posterior view of a figure wearing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   a  shows an anterior illustration of a figure wearing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   b  shows a posterior view of a figure wearing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The figures and descriptions which follow serve to explain in greater detail the many aspects of the various preferred embodiments of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts through the views. Unless otherwise specifically indicated in the disclosure that follows, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. As used in the description herein and through the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference. The meaning “in” includes “in” and “on.” 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the spinal decompression and sleep therapy system  100  of the present invention includes an upper portion  110  and a lower portion  120 . Preferably, the upper portion  110  contains a head band  170 , vertical decompression straps  157 ,  160  and a yoke  150 . The head band  170  preferably includes suspension straps  180  which function to keep the head band  170  in place. Alternatively, the head band  170  may function without the use of the suspension straps  180 . 
     Preferably, the vertical decompression straps  157 ,  160  attach to the back of the head band  170  and extend down the neck of the wearer to attach to the back of the yoke  150 . As discussed below with respect to  FIG. 6B , according to a preferred embodiment, the vertical decompression straps  157 ,  160  are preferably attached to the lower yoke portion (shown as portion  640  in  FIG. 6B ) which runs across the back of the wearer. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the vertical decompression straps  157 ,  160  may attach to the upper yoke portion (shown as portion  560 P in  FIG. 5B ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the vertical decompression straps  157 ,  160  may preferably further include adjustable attachment points  155 ,  165  to allow for changes in the length of the vertical decompression straps  157 ,  160 . The yoke  150  is preferably a circular elastic strap which goes from around the back of the neck, crossing over the front of the shoulders, under the arms and across the back allowing the tension to hold the shoulders back. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the lower portion  120  of the present invention preferably includes two vertical decompression straps  140 ,  145  extending from each of two leg bands  130 ,  135 . According to a preferred embodiment, each vertical decompression strap  140 ,  145  preferably attaches to a leg band and extends up from each leg band, over the opposite shoulder, back under the arm and across the back of the wearer to attach to the same leg band. Ideally, the starting and end points for each strap will be approximately ⅛ of the leg band circumference to the outside of the thigh or 45 degrees toward the outside of the center back of the thigh allowing for the vertical decompression straps to cross over the glutes. 
     As specifically shown in  FIG. 1 , vertical decompression strap  140  preferably attaches to the outside portion of leg band  130  and then runs over the opposite shoulder, back under the arm and across the back of the wearer to attach back to the outside portion of leg band  130 . Conversely, vertical decompression strap  145  preferably attaches to the outside portion of leg band  135  and then runs over the opposite shoulder, back under the arm and across the back of the wearer to attach back to the outside portion of leg band  135 . Within the concept of the present invention, one or more additional straps may be used to add additional tension and support. In use, a system of four or more crisscrossed straps is preferably created which manipulates the thoracic and lumbar spinal column by gently pulling the spinal column back, opening up the spinal column. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the decompression straps preferably cross as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the decompression straps may attach to the outside portion of a leg band and then run over the same shoulder and back down to the outside portion of the same leg band. In this configuration, the decompression straps run parallel to each other. 
     As shown, the vertical decompression straps  140 ,  145  of the lower portion are not attached to the yoke  150  of the upper portion. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the vertical decompression straps  140 ,  145  may be attached to the yoke  150  if desired. Further, the decompression straps  140 ,  145  may alternatively be attached directly to each other (i.e. where they crisscross) to assist in maintaining their relative positions when in use. In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, a decompression support pillow  125  may be inserted beneath the system of crisscrossed straps for assisting back sleepers. This decompression support pillow may preferably be attached with a belt to further secure it to the body when sleeping. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be further discussed. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the system  200  of the present invention includes the same upper  210  and lower  220  portions described in  FIG. 1 . As shown, the upper portion  210  may preferably include a head band  270 , vertical decompression straps  260 ,  265  and a yoke  250 . The head band  270  preferably includes suspension straps  280 ,  282  which function to keep the head band  270  in place. The vertical decompression straps  260 ,  265  preferably attach to the back of the head band  270  and extend down the neck of the wearer to attach to the back of the yoke  250 . The vertical decompression straps  260 ,  265  may further include adjustment points  262 ,  267  to allow for changes in the length of the vertical decompression straps  260 ,  265 . The lower portion  220  as shown includes each of the two leg bands  230 ,  235  attached to vertical decompression elastic straps  240 ,  245  which crisscross and attach to opposite corners  255 ,  275  of the yoke  250 . More specifically, vertical decompression strap  245  is shown attached to leg band  230  and crossing the back of the wearer to attach to the opposite corner  255  of the yoke  250 . Conversely, vertical decompression strap  240  is shown attached to leg band  235  and crossing the back of the wearer to attach to the opposite corner  275  of the yoke  250 . In this embodiment, the adjustment of the vertical decompression straps may preferably be just below the yoke and the shoulder blades if the wearer is smaller framed. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a second alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be further discussed. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lower portion  300  preferably includes two leg bands  370 ,  375  each attached to vertical decompression bands  380 ,  385  which crisscross and attach to opposite shoulders of the wearer via arm holes  350  and  355 . More specifically, vertical decompression strap  385  is shown attached to leg band  370  and crossing the back of the wearer to attach to the opposite shoulder of the wearer via arm hole  355 . Conversely, vertical decompression strap  380  is shown attached to leg band  375  and crossing the back of the wearer to attach to the opposite shoulder of the wearer via arm hole  350 . In use, the vertical decompression straps  380 ,  385  preferably cross in the back and pull each shoulder with enough tension to gently roll the shoulders back and open the chest thus allowing the vertebra to open up alleviating pressure and decompressing the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spinal vertebra. 
     Preferably, the tension maintained by the each vertical decompression strap should start out to provide a comfortable and gentle arch in the neck, thoracic and lumbar areas when at rest or asleep. Over time, as the muscles and tendons adjust to the decompression therapy device, the device can gradually be adjusted tighter to offer a firmer decompression arch allowing the muscles and tendons to adjust to the therapy. If the wearer experiences any soreness or discomfort from the therapy, the resistance may then be decreased. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary assembly of the upper portion  400  of the present invention will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the head band  410  may be attached to the back section of the yoke  440  by one or more vertical decompression straps  420 ,  430  leading from the back side of the headband  410  to the yoke  440 . Preferably, the yoke  440  is designed to hold the shoulders back and anchor the cervical decompression straps. The vertical decompression straps  420 ,  430  may further include adjustable attachment points  425 ,  435  to allow for changes in the length of the vertical decompression straps  420 ,  430 . According to a preferred embodiment, the head band  410  is preferably worn to allow the vertical decompression straps  420 ,  430  attached on the back side to be tight enough to gently pull the head back when neck muscles are relaxed but not so tight to cause discomfort or injury. As discussed below with respect to  FIG. 6B , according to a preferred embodiment, the vertical decompression straps  420 ,  430  are preferably attached to the lower yoke portion (shown as portion  640  in  FIG. 6B ) which runs across the back of the wearer. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the vertical decompression straps  420 ,  430  may attach to the upper yoke portion running behind the neck of the wearer (shown as portion  560 P in  FIG. 5B ). 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5   a , an anterior illustration of a figure wearing an apparatus in accordance with the present invention will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 5   a , yoke  530 A is preferably worn to run behind the neck, over the anterior shoulders, under the armpits and around the back of the wearer. Preferably, the yoke  530 A is formed of a neoprene elastic material (or any alternative material with similar elasticity properties) from the sides of the chest to the center of the back which would allow for the shoulders to be gently pulled back during rest or sleep. 
       FIG. 5   a  provides an anterior view of one embodiment of the present invention which shows the headgear  510 A, the front portion of the leg bands  550 A,  555 A and a portion of the vertical decompression straps  520 A,  525 A. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5   b , a posterior view of a figure wearing an apparatus in accordance with the present invention will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 5   b , the headgear  510 P preferably fits as a headband with the decompression straps  570 P,  580 P stretched vertically from the back of the head gear  510 P to the center of the back of the upper portion of the elastic yoke strap  560 P. Preferably, there should be enough tension to hold the head back with relaxed neck muscles, which will gently pull the head back while at rest or in a state of sleep. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 5   b , there are preferably two adjustable leg bands  550 P,  555 P worn on the upper thigh with vertical decompression straps  520 P,  525 P extending over opposite shoulders and attaching back to each leg band  550 P,  555 P. Preferably, the attachment points for each leg band will be approximately ⅛ of the leg band circumference toward the outside of the thigh or at a location to create an angle of assent for the path of each strap between the leg band attachment point and the opposite shoulder. More specifically as shown in  FIG. 5   b , in accordance with a preferred embodiment, vertical decompression strap  520 P attaches to leg band  550 P on the outside of the thigh and extends up and over the opposite shoulder and back down under the arm to attach back to leg band  550 P. Conversely, vertical decompression strap  525 P attaches to leg band  555 P on the outside of the thigh and extends up and over the opposite shoulder and back down under the arm to attach back to leg band  555 P. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 5   b , various points of adjustment and attachment may be seen. However, it should be appreciated that the system of the present invention may be structured to provide more or fewer attachment points and adjustment points as needed. For instance, the vertical decompression straps may attach to each other and/or at other specifically selected point(s) of adjustment for a particular wearer. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6   a , an anterior view of a figure wearing an apparatus in accordance with the present invention will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 6   a , the circular elastic yoke  630 A may be worn behind the neck around and under the anterior shoulders and armpits and around the back. This yoke band  630 A may be neoprene elastic material (or any alternative material with similar elasticity properties) from the sides of the chest to the center of the back which would allow for the shoulders to be gently pulled back during rest or sleep. As further shown in  FIG. 6   a , an anterior view of the headgear  610 A, the front portion of the leg bands  650 A,  655 A and a portion of the vertical decompression straps  620 A,  625 A is provided. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6   b , a posterior view of a figure wearing an apparatus in accordance with the present invention will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 6   b , the headgear  610 P preferably fits as a headband with the decompression straps  670 P,  680 P stretched vertically from the back of the head gear  610 P to the center of the back of the lower portion the elastic yoke strap  640 P. Preferably, there should be enough tension to hold the head back with relaxed neck muscles, which will gently pull the head back while at rest or in a state of sleep. As further shown in  FIG. 6   b , there are preferably two adjustable leg bands  650 P,  655 P worn on the upper thigh with vertical decompression straps  620 P,  625 P extending over opposite shoulders and attaching back to each leg band  650 P,  655 P. Preferably, the attachment points for each leg band will be approximately ⅛ of the leg band circumference toward the outside of the thigh or at a location to create an angle of assent for the path of each strap between the leg band attachment point and the opposite shoulder. 
     More specifically as shown in  FIG. 6   b , in accordance with a preferred embodiment, vertical decompression strap  620 P attaches to leg band  650 P on the outside of the thigh and extends up and over the opposite shoulder and back down under the arm to attach back to leg band  650 P. Conversely, vertical decompression strap  625 P attaches to leg band  655 P on the outside of the thigh and extends up and over the opposite shoulder and back down under the arm to attach back to leg band  655 P. 
     There may be multiple variations in the positioning of the vertical decompression straps in both the upper and lower portions of the disc decompression system of the present invention. For example, both straps may be crisscrossing (as shown) or both straps may be positioned straight up and down such that the strap that stretches across the right shoulder attaches to the right leg band and the strap that stretches across the left shoulder attaches to the left leg band. Another possible configuration of the vertical decompression straps may be that one strap is slanting diagonally across the back of the body around one shoulder and extending to the opposite leg band; while a second strap is stretched straight up and down around the other shoulder and attaches to the same leg band. It may also be preferable depending on the size of the wearer, that the wearer uses more than two vertical decompression straps and adjusts the angle of each strap differently relative to shoulders and the outer edge of at least one of the leg bands. 
     Properly adjusted, the disc decompression system of the present invention will ideally provide gentle resistance causing pulling or arching of the spinal column back while in a relaxed sleep state allowing the spinal disc to decompress and heal while asleep. This system may also be worn under clothes to offer posture support and decompression while performing daily activities. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, adjustment of the straps may be provided by hook and loop material (e.g. Velcro), elastic, press studs etc. Alternatively, the attachment assembly may include buckle assemblies. The following is a list of some exemplary types of attachments and releases that may be considered durable for use in the system of the present invention: Velcro one-wrap strap, Velcro nylon straps with buckle, Velcro buckle, durable Velcro strap buckle, Velcro cable tie metal buckle, Velcro buckle strap with back to back, adhesive Velcro buckle, Velcro buckle, die-cut sticky Velcro buckle, hook and loop Velcro buckle strap, hook and loop cable tie/Velcro, Velcro buckle/hook and loop cable tie, Velcro buckle straps, adjustable elastic Velcro buckle strap, and strap buckle Velcro. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention and to assist in healing while asleep, there may be an elastic material or neoprene chin strap which could be used to gently hold the bottom jaw closed to encourage breathing through the nose (the nose and sinus system offers the ideal heat and moisture exchange system). The chin strap may also serve to support the head band. 
     The above described embodiments, while including the preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing, are given as illustrative examples only. It will be readily appreciated that many deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the claims below rather than being limited to the specifically described embodiments above.