Abstract:
An apparatus and method for applying occiputal pressure to a human head. The human head has frontal, parietal, and occipital bones. The frontal bones generally are on a front portion of the head, the occiputal bones generally are on a back portion of the head, and the parietal bones generally extend between the frontal and parietal bones. The apparatus comprises a harness adapted to overlie the frontal bones, and a pad adapted to apply a therapeutic force to the occiputal bones. The pad has first and second ends attached to the harness. And the pad has first and second protrusions that extend generally toward the harness and that are adapted to overlie respective ones of the occipital bones.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 09/109,911, filed Jul. 2, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporate 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This application relates to a headband or a fastening device for applying pressure to the back of a human head for therapeutic effects, and more particularly to a device that applies bilateral pressure to the occipital region to improve the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    It is believed that the human body is continually subjected to physical and other forms of stress that can stimulate the occurrence of a variety of ailments or otherwise cause detrimental effects to one&#39;s physical health or well-being. It is believed that these physical stresses can include injuries stemming from birth trauma, automotive accidents, athletic exertions, or postural problems. It is further believed that other forms of stress can occur from psychological tension or emotional disturbances, which may be caused by depression or anxiety. The occurrence of stress is believed to manifest as muscle tension, which in turn may tighten the muscles around the head and neck. It is believed that severe or prolonged muscle tension in the area surrounding the cranium may distort the alignment of cranial bones.  
           [0004]    Within the human cranium, it is believed that cerebrospinal fluid fills the ventricles of the brain and occupies the subarachnoid space. It is believed that cerebrospinal fluid is a clear watery fluid that remains in constant circulation throughout the brain and the spinal cord. It is further believed that cerebrospinal fluid acts as both a protective cushion against injury and a carrier of nutrients and proteins that provide nourishment to the brain for normal functioning.  
           [0005]    It is believed that cerebrospinal fluid drains from the lateral ventricles through the interventricular foramina of Monro into the third ventricle. This fluid is then believed to combine with fluid produced by the choroid plexus of the third ventricle, and then pass through the cerebral aqueduct of Sylvius into the fourth ventricle. The fluid is then believed to escape through openings in the roof of the fourth ventricle, the median foramen of Magendie, and the two lateral foramina of Luschka. From the foramina of the fourth ventricle, it is believed that the fluid enters the subarachnoid space. Henry Gray and Charles Goss,  Gray&#39;s Anatomy,  Lea &amp; Febiger, 1973.  
           [0006]    It is believed that there are four major rhythmic pulsations from fluid circulation within the cranium. It is believed that blood flows from cardiovascular circulation between 60 to 72 times per minute to provide circulation throughout the brain and the entire body. It is also believed that oxygen is provided to the vascular system through respiratory circulation at 14 to 19 times per minute. And it is further believed that there are sutural pulsations at 14 to 19 times per minute and dural pulsations at 6 to 8 times per minute, which are measured as a cranial rhythm index. These rhythmic pulsations are believed to affect the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.  
           [0007]    With regard to rhythmic dural pulsation, it is believed that flexion/extension movement provides tension changes to the membrane within the dural system. Dural flexion is believed to occur when the distance from the internal margin of the lamboid and the superior posterior margin of the sphenobasilar articulation decrease in distance. This decrease in distance is believed to produce a slight tension to the external margin of the falx cerebrum, falx cerebellum, and the falx tentorium. The internal margin of the membrane is believed to produce a slight relaxation of the falx cerebrum, falx cerebellum, and the falx tentorium. It is believed that this membrane tension change allows the external cisterns and superior sagital sinus to decrease in volume and size. When this takes place, it is also believed that the ventricles of the brain increase in volume and size. It is believed that the cerebrospinal fluid moves with the fluctuations of this rhythmic cycle.  
           [0008]    It is believed that if the skeletal structure in the cranium is improperly aligned, the cerebrospinal fluid cannot provide optimal circulation throughout the cerebrum. By applying pressure to the cranium, it is believe to be possible to stimulate greater circulation to reverse, or at least reduce the harmful effects of sub-optimal cerebrospinal fluid flow. It is believed that in 1939, Dr. William Garner Sutherland, DO, experimented with a technique of applying pressure to the occipital region of the head to cause a compression of the fourth ventricle, adjacent to the cerebellum. Traditionally called a “CV-4” technique, it is believed that a therapist can press against the occiput and thus apply resistance against movement to modify the activity of the craniosacral system. It is believed that this induces a “still-point” that can enhance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the cerebrum. Upon reaching a “still-point,” it is believed that a patient can enjoy a sense of relaxation.  
           [0009]    It is believed that a patient must remain immobile in order to induce a “still-point.” Thus, it is believed that previous methods or devices applying pressure to the occipital region require the assistance of a therapist, or devices that require a patient to remain immobile while receiving treatment. The inconvenience of relying upon another to provide treatment and remaining in a still position during a treatment process is believed to greatly reduce the benefits of the treatment and limit the opportunities for achieving a state of relaxation from the application of occipital pressure.  
           [0010]    It is believed that there is a need for an apparatus and a method of applying occipital pressure that overcomes the problems and limitations of the previous methods and devices.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The present invention provides an apparatus for applying occiputal pressure to a human head. The human head has frontal, parietal, and occipital bones. The frontal bones generally are on a front portion of the head, the occiputal bones generally are on a back portion of the head, and the parietal bones generally extend between the frontal and parietal bones. The apparatus comprises a harness adapted to overlie the frontal bones, and a pad adapted to apply a therapeutic force to the occiputal bones. The pad has first and second ends attached to the harness. And the pad has first and second protrusions that extend generally toward the harness and that are adapted to overlie respective ones of the occipital bones.  
           [0012]    The present invention also provides an apparatus for applying occiputal pressure to a human head. The human head has frontal, parietal, and occipital bones. The frontal bones generally are on a front portion of the head, the occiputal bones generally are on a back portion of the head, and the parietal bones generally extend between the frontal and parietal bones. The apparatus comprises a band adapted to surround the human head, at least one protrusion, and a cushion. The band has a first portion adapted to overly the occipital bones, a second portion adapted to overly the frontal bones, and connecting portions that extend between the first and second portions. The at least one protrusion extends inwardly from the first portion and is adapted to apply a therapeutic force to the occipital bones. The cushion extends inwardly from the second portion and is adapted to apply a reaction force to the frontal bones. The reaction force opposes the therapeutic force.  
           [0013]    The present invention further provides a method of applying theraputic forces to a human head. The human head has frontal, parietal, and occipital bones. The frontal bones generally are on a front portion of the head, the occiputal bones generally are on a back portion of the head, and the parietal bones generally extend between the frontal and parietal bones. The method comprises surrounding the human head with a band, the band having at least one inwardly directed protrusion and a cushion; orienting the cushion to overly the frontal bones; orienting the at least one inwardly directed protrusion so as to overly the occipital bones; and adjusting the band so as to enhance a flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the human head 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain features of the invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying cranial occipital pressure.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a plate with attached protrusions to apply occipital pressure.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a curvilinear plate with integral protrusions to apply occipital pressure.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a placement on a head of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a rear view illustrating the placement on a head of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is a profile view illustrating the placement on a head of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying cranial occipital pressure.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0022]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used in the following description to facilitate the description only and is not intended to be limiting in its use.  
         [0023]    Referring to FIG. 1, a headband  100  preferably comprises a band  102  connected to a forehead pad  104 . The illustrated headband  100  is example of many types and styles of devices that can be used to surround a head. The band  102  preferably includes a strap  106  and a buckle  108 . The strap  106  interlinks within the buckle  108  to form the band  102  that connects the forehead pad  104  to a therapeutic pad  110 . In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there is a second band composed of a second strap and a second buckle for forming a symmetrical harness attached to the therapeutic pad  110 . The strap  106  can be secured with respect to the buckle  108  by a hook and loop fastener, e.g., on an outer strap surface disposed away from the head. The strap  106  can also comprise materials such as leather or cotton, and may be secured by other means, such as by buttons or snaps.  
         [0024]    The preferred therapeutic pad  110  is configured to apply bilateral pressure at the back of the head when worn. The therapeutic pad  110  can be made of any material suitable for maintaining a force against the head, including nylon, rayon, cotton, leather, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the therapeutic pad  110  can be sewn closed around the sides and an upper portion, and can contain an inner material shaped to form two protrusions  112  appearing along the inner surface. The protrusions are symmetrical about the center of the pad to apply the desired bilateral pressure when worn.  
         [0025]    Referring also to FIG. 2A, the two protrusions  112  can be two generally semispherical objects placed within the therapeutic pad  110 . The semispheres can be made of rubber, foam, metal, plastic, or any other material sufficient to apply pressure against the occiput. The semispheres can also be filled with a fluid that be heated or chilled. In FIG. 2A, the two semispherical protrusions  112  are connected through an attachment plate  114 , which can be made of metal, plastic, cloth, etc., that is placed within the pad  110 . The spheres can also be sewn directly into the pad  110 .  
         [0026]    In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the protrusions  112  can be formed within the therapeutic pad  110  by a single curved structure, such as a piece of metal formed to provide the symmetrical protrusions. In FIG. 2B, a curved portion  116  serves to apply bilateral pressure to the occiput. The curved portion  116  can be sewn directly into the pad  110 . The pressure points for applying occipital pressure can be adjusted by bending the curvilinear structure.  
         [0027]    FIGS.  3 - 5  illustrate how the therapeutic pad relates to the frontal F, parietal P, and occipital O bones. In particular, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate how the therapeutic pad contacts the occiput in relation to the primary cranial bones. Although the headband in FIG. 3 is shown making contact with the parietal bones, i.e., the sides of the cranium, the therapeutic pad  110  can be of sufficient width such that, when the band is attached about the ends of the pad, the bands do not contact the head when worn.  
         [0028]    The forehead pad  104  can provide cushioning to the forehead to facilitate the comfort when wearing the mounting apparatus. Additionally, the forehead pad  104  can position the therapeutic pad on the cranium such that the force applied to the occiput is at the proper angle and placement. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the forehead pad  104  should be slightly superior to the frontal eminence. The force of the protrusions  112  that is applied to the occiput can depend on the adjustments to each band  102 . The resulting effective pressure upon the head should be approximately one to five pounds.  
         [0029]    In FIG. 4, the two protrusions  112 , which are shown with hidden lines, are located at the proper position for applying pressure to the occiput. Preferably, the two protrusions  112  should be equidistant from the midline to the right and to the left on the occiput. The protrusions  112  should be superior to the external occipital nucal ridge, and inferior to the lamboidal suture.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 5 also illustrates the proper positioning of the headband  100  according to a preferred embodiment. The headband  100  can be worn while standing, sitting, or exercising. With the headband  100  properly in place, a constant pressure can be exerted against the occiput for applying resistance to the dural rhythmic pulsations. The wearer can then experience a relaxing, therapeutic effect while remaining mobile and capable of continuing normal, daily activities.  
         [0031]    A variety of other designs and modifications can aid to make the device more fashionable or comfortable while still applying occipital pressure. The therapeutic pad can be positioned with respect to the occiput by means of a hat or a cap, which serves to cover the head and disguise the apparatus from public view.  
         [0032]    As shown in FIG. 6, the therapeutic pad  110  can be provided in combination with a visor to cover or shade the face while wearing the apparatus. For example, a bill  118  can be attached to the outer surface of the forehead pad  104 .  
         [0033]    As can be readily understood, the hat or cap would include a harness as part of its structure for holding the therapeutic pad against the occiput. This hat or cap, which can be a modified conventional baseball cap, can include side straps for adjusting the size of the cap for different head sizes or different desired tension levels at the sides of the cap. A conventional hat or cap can also be modified to apply bilateral occipital pressure by inserting therapeutic padding within an inner portion at the back of the cap. The back padding can be temporarily inserted and attachable to the inner portion of the cap by Velcro hook-and-loop fasteners.  
         [0034]    When wearing one of the preferred embodiments, the applied bilateral occipital pressure puts the cranium in a state of flexion. In an alternative embodiment, additional pressure points can be applied to the frontal bone in the cranium to enhance the relaxing and therapeutic effects induced by applying occipital pressure. In particular, by supplementing the forehead pad  104  with two projections (not shown), the wearer can also benefit from bilateral frontal compression. Optional removable pads can be added to the inside of a front cushion, or a front portion of a visor or hat to apply bilateral frontal pressure as desired. The frontal pads can be attached (e.g., glued or sewn) onto a removable hook-and-loop Velcro strap that can be affixed to the inner side of the forehead cushion  104 . Alternatively, the frontal pads can be directly attached to the inner side of the forehead cushion  104  by Velcro attachments. The frontal pads can be made removable because it may not be desirable in some cases to apply both frontal and occipital pressures.  
         [0035]    It is also possible to wear one of the preferred embodiments, e.g., as shown in shown in FIG. 5, in reverse. As such, bilateral pressure would be applied to the frontal bone, and lateral, uniform pressure would be applied to the occiput.  
         [0036]    While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.