Patent Publication Number: US-2023158359-A1

Title: Device for reducing anterior pelvic tilt and a method for its use

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present general inventive concept is directed to a method and apparatus directed to an exercise device intended to help anterior pelvic tilt. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Anterior Pelvic tilt is a common medical condition in which the pelvic tilts towards the front of the body. In  FIG.  1   , the left drawing shows a normal posture while the right drawing shows anterior pelvic tilt. Anterior pelvic tilt can lead to numerous medical issues, including poor posture, chronic back pain, increased pressure on the spinal vertebrae, hip knee and ankle dysfunction, hernias and others. Anterior pelvic tilt can have numerous causes, such as sitting incorrectly for a long period of time. 
     There are various exercises designed for addressing anterior pelvic tilt, but these usually involve sitting or lying on the floor or standing in one location rather than being up and actually moving around. Skills learned while standing still, sitting or lying down may not translate well into dynamic movement because all of the same muscles are not being utilized the same in each instance. Some exercises that can be used to help correct anterior pelvic tilt are squats and stretches. 
     What is needed is an improved way to correct Anterior pelvic tilt. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved device to assist in correcting anterior pelvic tilt and other conditions. 
     These together with other aspects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG.  1    is a drawing showing a person with normal posture and one with Anterior pelvic tilt, as known in the prior art; 
         FIG.  2    is a drawing of a diagonal rear view of an exercise device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a drawing of a diagonal front view of the exercise device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a drawing of a front view of the exercise device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a drawing of a rear view of the exercise device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is a drawing of a side view of the exercise device with sample dimensions, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a drawing of a rear view of the exercise device with sample dimensions, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is a drawing of a person with the exercise device strapped on a person, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is a drawing of the person utilizing the exercise device to pull weights behind him/her, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is a drawing showing critical leverage points, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  11    is a drawing showing forces created when utilizing the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  12    is a drawing showing rotational force into an anterior pelvic tilt, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG.  13    is a drawing showing a compensatory rotation correcting the anterior pelvic tilt, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
     The general inventive concept relates to a physical exercise device used to help correct Anterior pelvic tilt and a method for using the physical exercise device. The device is generally paddle shaped and is strapped around a person’s waist and stomach. A handle on the device is attached to a rope which runs behind the person’s legs and is attached to weights on a sled (cart, or another device that can be pulled). The person would then walk forward while pulling the weight behind him/her. The weight would cause the device to press against the person’s pelvic area which would initially cause even more anterior pelvic tilt, however a person’s natural reaction to the increased pressure in the pelvic area would then be to compensate for this additional pelvic pressure thereby causing the person to walk in a more upright fashion which would counteract the effect of the anterior pelvic tilt. Thus, when a person walks utilizing the present device (which would initially cause an increase is anterior pelvic tilt), the person would naturally adjust his/her walk in order to compensate for the increased anterior pelvic tilt, thereby training the person to improve his/her posture. 
     The device fits flatly against the anterior torso, being anchored to the torso with belts or straps. The device at its inferior end presses against the left and right superior ramus of the pelvic girdle, while the middle and superior portion presses against the lower and middle abdomen. The bottom of the device has a protrusion that extends downward below the crotch and which allows for the attachment of a rope, strap or chain which in turn is secured to some type of weighted object. The device causes the pelvic girdle of the user to rotate anteriorly as the user ambulates in a forward direction. The user must produce a counter force against the anterior rotational forces by using the appropriate lumbar/pelvic/core muscles (“Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex) to rotate the pelvic girdle back posteriorly. The device provides the user proprioceptive input while in active movement in order to train the user to easily activate the appropriate muscles to maintain pelvic and spinal alignment while sitting, standing, walking or running. The present device produces superior physiological results during physical exercise for athletic training, fitness maintenance, and physical therapy and rehabilitation in a cost effective and time efficient manner. 
       FIG.  2    is a drawing of a diagonal rear view of an exercise device, according to an embodiment. 
     A base  201  is rectangular shaped with a trapezoid shape on the bottom (although it can be any other shape as well). A handle  202  is attached to the base  201 . An upper support  203  is attached to the base  201 . A lower support  204  is also attached to the base  201 . An edge of the lower support  204  abuts an edge of the upper support  203 , with the lower support  204  being wider so that the lower support  204  extends past the upper support  203 . 
     Note that the upper support  203  matches the height and length of its corresponding portion of the base  201 . The lower support  204  has a smaller outline than its corresponding portion of the base  201  as shown in  FIG.  1    (this is more clearly shown in  FIG.  5   ). 
     Note that all parts can be made of any suitable material, such as wood, hard plastic, foam, pvc, etc. All of the parts do not need to be made out of the same material and any combination of materials can be used for the parts. In one embodiment, the base  201  and handle  202  are made out of wood (or other hard material). The upper support  203  and the lower support  204  can be made out of foam (or other slightly softer material) which would be more comfortable pressing against the user’s body but would still not lose its shape. 
     All parts can be attached by any permanent method, such as glue (or other adhesive), nails, screws, etc. 
       FIG.  3    is a drawing of a diagonal front view of the exercise device, according to an embodiment. 
     An abrasive surface  300  (e.g., sandpaper, hook and loop fastener or other such rough surface) is attached to a front of the base  301 . The abrasive surface can be attached to the front of the base  101  using glue or other attachment mechanism. The abrasive surface  300  is used to receive a strap  800 ,  801  which are both wrapped around the abrasive surface (see  FIG.  8   ) so that the strap would not slide (in any direction). If the abrasive surface  300  is a hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO), then both of the straps  800 ,  801  (each of the straps in its entirety (including both sides) or just a portion of them (including both sides) ) would be made of the cooperating (to the material used on the abrasive surface  300 ) hook/loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO) so that the straps would stick on the abrasive surface  300 . It is important that the strap be secure against the device so that there is no slippage. 
     A hole  301  in the handle  302  is used to receive a clip (e.g., a carabiner clip or other type of clip) which is used to connect a rope to the handle  202 . 
       FIG.  4    is a drawing of a front view of the exercise device, according to an embodiment. 
     There is a slight gap between the abrasive surface  200  and the handle  201  (although this is not required). 
       FIG.  5    is a drawing of a rear view of the exercise device, according to an embodiment. 
     Note that there is extra space on the outline around the lower support  204 , in other words the base  201  is slightly larger all around the lower support  204 . 
       FIG.  6    is a drawing of a side view of the exercise device with sample dimensions, according to an embodiment. 
     Note that the width of the lower support  204  is wider than the upper support  203  thereby providing extra space (thickness) to the lower support  204  relative to the upper support  203 . This extra width provides a gap between the upper support  203  and the person’s stomach thereby causing the lower support  204  to press against the user’s pelvic area with more pressure then the upper support  203  would press against the user’s stomach, thereby “encouraging” anterior pelvic tilt which would typically cause a compensation reaction in the user. 
     Note that the width of the lower support  204  is 1.5 inches (or 2.25 inches if you count the base  201 ) and the width of the upper support  203  is .75 inches (or 1.5 inches if you count the base  201 ). Thus, the difference in net width between the lower support  204  and the upper support  203  is .75 inches, although this difference can be other amounts as well, for example at least .25 inches, at least .50 inches, or ranging from .25 inches (inclusive) to 1 inch (inclusive), or ranging from .25 inches (inclusive) to 5 inches (inclusive), etc. 
       FIG.  7    is a drawing of a rear view of the exercise device with sample dimensions, according to an embodiment. More dimensions (measurements) are shown. Note that the dimensions (measurements) shown in  FIGS.  6 - 7    are just one example, and it can be appreciated that other sizes and ratios of parts can be used as well. 
     Note that all differences sizes of parts (or particular lengths of parts or extending lengths) shown herein are not limited to the exact difference in size shown but can for example be in a range from 25% (inclusive or not inclusive) to 200% (inclusive or not inclusive) of the different in size shown. For example, the length of a portion of the handle  202  which extends past the base  201  is two inches (as shown in  FIG.  6   ). However, this length (or any measurement, size, difference in measurements, described or shown herein) can be anywhere from 25% to 200% of the shown length/value (e.g., two inches) which would be .5 inches (inclusive) to four inches (inclusive). In another embodiment, the length in question can be at least (or greater than) 25% of the shown length (e.g., at least .5 inch). In another embodiment, the length in question can be smaller than (or at most) 200% of the shown length (e.g., less than 2 inches). In another embodiment, any lengths/sizes can be in a range from 25% (inclusive or not inclusive) to 200% (inclusive or not inclusive) of the shown length. In another embodiment, such length can be at least (or greater than) the shown value, in a further embodiment, such length can be at most (or less than) the shown value. These limits can apply to any length, measurement, size, difference, etc. In a further embodiment, the length (any length) can be outside of this range as well and hence the invention is not necessarily limited to any such range, value or limitation. All ranges and inequalities can be inclusive or not inclusive (e.g., any of greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to). 
       FIG.  8    is a drawing of a person with the exercise device strapped on a person, according to an embodiment. 
     A top strap  800  wraps (and is tightened) around the persons T spine (which stabilizes the lower spina column). When something is pushing against the pelvic area/bone the user would feel his/her entire torso tilting so he/she would naturally try to stand up (compensate) against that force. A bottom strap  801  wraps and is tightened) around the person’s waist. 
     Each strap  800 ,  801  (can also be referred to as belts) can have a ratchet, buckle, or other tightening device. The upper support  203  is positioned over the user’s stomach while the lower support  204  is positioned over the user’s pelvic area. Because the lower support  204  is wider, the lower support presses against the user’s pelvic area while the upper support  203  has a little more room between the upper support  203  and the user’s stomach. Note that the lower support  203  has a tapered shape which gets smaller towards the downward direction which gives the user more room near his/her legs (leg room) to walk. Both straps  800 ,  801  should be tightened when placed around the user so they should rest tightly but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. The user can strap the device onto himself/herself standing up or sitting down (which may be easier). 
     Note that the handle  202  sticks out (as shown in  FIG.  6   ) two inches (or more) below the lower support  204  with the hole  301  extending at least another 1.5 inches past the end of the base  201 . For example, the hole can be .25 inch square (or other size) and can be one inch (or less) from a bottom of the handle  202  (the bottom being in a direction away from the upper support  203 ), or at least 1.5 inches away from a bottom of the base  201 ). The hole  301  should preferably (but not required) be in the lower portion of the handle  202  (lower meaning in a direction away from the upper support  203 ). The hole being below the base  201  provides leverage as the lower it is (relative to the lower support  204 ) the more force weights (shown in  FIG.  9   ) would exert against the user’s pubic bone. 
       FIG.  9    is a drawing of the person utilizing the exercise device to pull weights behind him/her, according to an embodiment. 
     A rope  901  (or pulley, etc.) is connected to a clip  900  (e.g., a carabiner clip or other type of clip) which clips into/through the hole  201 . An opposite end of the rope  901  is connected to a weight holder  902  (e.g., a sled or other movable object such as a cart, pallet, etc.) The weight holder can have a vertical pole  903  to which round weights  904  can be placed thereon, although any type of weights can be placed on the weight holder. 
     Once the device is attached to the user as shown and the device is also attached to the weight holder as shown, then the user should walk forward. As the user walks forward, he/she will drag the weight holder along the ground. The force of the weights behind the user pulls the user’s pelvic area behind him/her which would initially cause even more anterior pelvic tilt (the user would feel his/her entire torso tilt). The user would have a natural inclination to counter this force by standing up against that tilt (and pushing against the lower support  204 ) thereby walking in a more upright position to compensate for the exaggerated anterior pelvic tilt caused by the device. This compensation would train the user to walk in a more upright fashion and strengthen/activate the proper muscles which aid in walking in a more upright fashion (some of which may usually be inactive. Thus, the device as used herein would help (to activate and strengthen) certain muscles which would help the user overcome anterior pelvic tilt. 
     Note that the lower support  204  is wider than the upper support  203  (as discussed above and shown in  FIG.  6   ). If the entire device were flat then the lower support  204  would not exert as much pressure against the user’s pubic bone in relation to the stomach (the pubic bone is typically further back from the stomach) 
     Thus, the device when used as shown helps the user learn to use muscles required to walk in the upright (non-anterior pelvic tilt) position. Without such a device, someone with anterior pelvic tilt will continue to walk in the tilted position without strengthening the muscles required to walk more upright. 
     The user can experiment with different amounts of weights until the ideal amount of weight is utilized to assist in the proper alignment of the pelvic region while not being too heavy to prevent the user from walking properly. Typically, the ideal weight would be 20 pounds but can ideally be in the range from 10 to 20 pounds. The weight should be heavy enough so that the lower support  204  pushes against the pelvic bone but not so heavy that the user would start to compensate with abdominal muscles. 
       FIG.  10    is a drawing showing critical leverage points, according to an embodiment. 
     The device creates two critical leverage points. One (the higher one shown in  FIG.  10   ) along the torso and the lumbar spine in the rear. The second (the lower one shown in  FIG.  10   ) is against the pubic bones in the front of the person/user/ 
       FIG.  11    is a drawing showing forces created when utilizing the present inventive concept. 
     As the user walks forward, the device will simultaneously press against the pubic bones (arrow 1101) pushing them back, while also pressing against the lumbar spine (arrow 1100) pulling it forward. The two opposing forces would have the net effect of tilting the lower torso forward. 
       FIG.  12    is a drawing showing rotational force into an anterior pelvic tilt, according to an embodiment. 
     The two opposing forces which tilt the torso forward will cause the pelvic girdle to rotate forward into an anterior pelvic tilt, as shown in  FIG.  12   . 
       FIG.  13    is a drawing showing a compensatory rotation correcting the anterior pelvic tilt, according to an embodiment. 
     The user would use the pubic bones as a pivot point and would counter the rotation force (shown in  FIG.  12   ) against the lower portion of the device with an opposite rotational force (shown in  FIG.  13   ). This would have the effect of rotating the pelvic girdle posteriorly, bringing the device (the base  201 ) perpendicular to the ground. Hence, the device is activating/strengthening muscles that enable the posterior rotation (shown in  FIG.  13   ), which help train the user to walk more upright. Usage of the device over time would thus help/train the user to compensate for his/her anterior pelvic tilt and walk more upright. 
     Note that the shapes and dimensions described and illustrated herein are one embodiment of the inventive concept, and it can be appreciated that the invention can be constructed using structures of different dimensions and/or shapes. Each individual part, or combination of parts, can be made using different shapes than what is described/illustrated herein, for example the base (and/or upper support) can be ovular instead of rectangular, etc. Changes in shape/structure can be major (different shapes altogether than what is illustrated/described herein) or minor (using rounded edges instead of right angles for any edge such as on the base  201  (or any other part), etc. 
     The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.