Patent EA-004387-B1 (EA)
Title: Device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back
Inventor: ELAN ORI
IPC: A61H1/00
Filed: 2000-12-14
Abstract: 1. A device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back of a human subject, the device being configured for use while the subject lies in a supine position on an underlying surface, the device comprising: (i) at least one body-engaging element configured for engaging at least one region of the body of the subject inferior to the subject's lumbar vertebrae; and (ii) a drive mechanism mechanically linked to said at least one body-engaging element, said drive mechanism being configured to move at least part of said at least one body-engaging element through a repetitive cyclic motion including: (a) an operative motion along a first path operative to apply tension to the lower back of the subject, and (b) a return motion along a second path, said second path lying generally below said first path. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first path includes a primarily vertical lifting motion followed by a primarily horizontal tensioning motion. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said second path includes a primarily vertical lowering motion followed by a primarily horizontal return motion. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said first and second paths together approximate to the form of an ellipse. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said drive mechanism includes at least one rotating element, said repetitive cyclic motion being generated at least in part by an off-axis linkage to said rotating element. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said body-engaging element is linked to said drive mechanism via an adjustable linkage configured to allow adjustment of a height of said body-engaging element relative to said drive mechanism. 7. A device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back of a human subject, the device being configured for use while the subject lies in a supine position on an underlying surface, the device comprising: (a) a body-engaging element configured for engaging the rear surfaces of both knees of the subject; and (b) a rotary drive for driving said body engaging element, said rotary drive including a pivot pin pivotally mounting the body engaging element and slidable within a slot during the rotation of said rotary drive such as to drive the body-engaging element, and both knees when engaged thereby, from an initial position through repetitive closed-loop cycles each including: (i) a forward stroke path having a vertical lifting component for lifting the engaged rear surfaces of both knees together such as to neutralize the natural arched concavity of the subject's back, and a horizontal pulling component for tensioning the engaged rear surfaces of both knees such as to relieve pressure in the subject's lumber vertebrae; and (ii) a return stroke path, different from and underlying the forward stroke path, for returning the engaged rear surfaces of both knees to their initial positions. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein said drive includes: a rotary element rotatable about a rotary axis; and a link coupled at one end to said rotary element eccentrically with respect to its rotary axis, and coupled at its opposite end to said body engaging element; said pivot pin being carried by said link between its opposite ends and slidable in said slot by the rotation of said one end of the link by said rotary clement to cause said opposite end of the link, and said body-engaging element coupled thereto, to be driven through said closed-loop cycles. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said drive is enclosed within a frame, and said slot in which said pivot pin is slidable is formed at an incline in said frame. 10. The device of claim 7, wherein said return stroke maintains tension on the engaged rear surfaces of both knees while lowering them before completing their return to their initial positions. 11. The device of claim 7, wherein said body-engaging element includes a supporting panel configured to support both lower legs of the subject, said panel being inclined downwardly towards the end thereof to face the subject's feet. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said supporting panel is vertically adjustable with respect to said underlying surface to accommodate subjects of different sizes. 13. The device of claim 7, wherein said repetitive closed-looped cycles are of elliptical configuration.