Patent Publication Number: US-2021178220-A1

Title: Inflatable base for physical therapy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2019/049116, filed Aug. 30, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/726,243, filed Sep. 1, 2018, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to the field of physical therapy and more particularly to a method of utilizing an inflatable base to perform physical therapy. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     During a physical therapy session, a physical therapist will lead a patient through a variety of exercises and stretches designed to rehabilitate an injury or impairment. Such sessions are typically performed at a clinic or in the patient&#39;s home, but in either case the physical therapist often supplies all necessary equipment for properly performing the exercises and stretches. 
     Additionally, a physical therapist will typically assign the patient a variety of exercises and/or stretches (“movements”) to perform between sessions. These movements are not performed under the physical therapist&#39;s observation and without access to the physical therapist&#39;s equipment. Performing these movements speeds recovery, but the patient should be careful to perform them correctly, including from a well-supported position, in order to maximize the benefits and reduce the risk of injury. In this regard, patients with limited mobility will often perform their movements on an elevated surface, such as a bed or couch, so as to avoid having to drop down to and get up from the floor. However, the cushioning surface of the bed or couch may not provide adequate support or allow for proper alignment to effectively perform the movements. 
     As will be discussed herein, the inventor has recognized a need in the art for a base that can convert a variety of at-home surfaces into flat and stable exercise table while also being economical and easily storable for the user. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an aspect, embodiments of a method of using a base for physical therapy are disclosed. The base includes a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A minor surface joins the first major surface to the second major surface, and the base has a deflated configuration at a first internal pressure and an inflated configuration at a second internal pressure that is greater than the first internal pressure. In the method, the second major surface of the base is positioned over a surface while the base is in the deflated configuration. Further, in the method, the base is inflated to the inflated configuration, and a physical therapy technique is performed on the base. 
     In the method, the surface may be an article of furniture, such as at least one of a bed, a couch, a chair, or a table. Further, in the method, the surface may be the ground. In embodiments, the base is inflated to a second internal pressure of from 10 to 15 psi. 
     In embodiments, the physical therapy technique is performed in at least one of a standing position, a supine position, a prone position, a hooklying position, a sidelying position, a kneeling position, a quadruped position, or a sitting position. 
     In embodiments, the first major surface has a width dimension and a length dimension in which the length dimension is perpendicular to the width dimension, and the length dimension is greater than the width dimension. For example, the length dimension may be from 65 to 85 inches, and the width dimension may be from 27 to 35 inches. Additionally, the base has a height dimension in the inflated configuration, which is the distance between the first major surface and the second major surface. In embodiments, the height dimension is from 1.5 to 5.0 inches. 
     In embodiments, the base is made from a drop stitch material. In certain embodiments, the drop stitch material includes a traction layer on the first major surface. Further, the traction layer may be ethylene-vinyl acetate. 
     In embodiments, the base includes one or more rings or straps, and the method further comprises anchoring the base to the surface using a tether connected to the one or more rings or straps. Additionally, in embodiments, performing of a physical therapy technique may involve connecting exercise equipment, such as resistance bands or foot straps, to the one or more rings or straps. 
     In embodiments of the method, a foam layer may be arranged over the first major surface prior to performing a physical therapy technique. In other embodiments, the foam layer may be integral with the first major surface. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an inflatable base for performing a physical therapy technique, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the base of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  depicts the base being inflated by a pump, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a front perspective view of the base shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of an inflated drop-stitch material used to form the base, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  depicts the inflatable base positioned on a bed, according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  depicts a kit for inflating, storing, and transporting the inflatable base, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of an inflatable base for the performance of physical therapy techniques or yoga are disclosed herein. In general, the base may be described as a lightweight, portable, inflatable platform that transforms an item of furniture (e.g., a bed, a couch, a chair, etc.) into an exercise table comparable to the plinths used in a physical therapy clinic. As mentioned above, certain users may find it painful, difficult, or impossible to lie down or get up from the floor, and thus, the inflatable base disclosed herein allows for the conversion of an item of furniture into an elevated exercise platform. Additionally, because the base is inflatable/deflatable, the base can be deployed in a matter of minutes while also providing convenient storage. These and other aspects and advantages will be discussed herein in relation to the embodiments described below and shown in the figures. These embodiments of the inflatable base and associated method of performing physical therapy methods are provided by way of example and not by limitation. 
     Referring first to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , a base  10  for performing physical therapy has a first major surface  12  and a second major surface  14 . As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the first major surface  12  and the second major surface  14  are joined by a minor surface  16  that extends between the first major surface  12  and the second major surface  14  and around the perimeter of the base  10 . In embodiments, the first major surface  12  and the second major surface  14  define a thickness T of the base  10 . In embodiments, the thickness T is from about 1.5 inches to about 5.0 inches, more particularly from about 2.0 inches to about 4.0 inches, and preferably from about 2.0 inches to about 3.5 inches. As will be discussed below, the base is thick enough to provide adequate support for performance of physical therapy techniques but also thin enough to be grasped easily for positioning. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the base  10 , showing the first major surface  12 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the first major surface  12  of the base  10  defines a rounded rectangular shape, such that the base  10  overall is substantially cuboid. The first major surface has a width dimension W and a length dimension L. In the embodiment depicted, the width dimension W and the length dimension L are not equal. However, in other embodiments, the width dimension W and the length dimension L may be equal such that the first major surface  12  is a rounded square shape. In embodiments, the width dimension W is from 27 inches to 35 inches, more particularly from 27 inches to 32 inches, and preferably from 29 inches to 32 inches. In embodiments, the length dimension L is from 65 inches to 85 inches, more particularly from 70 inches to 80 inches, and preferably from 71 inches to 75 inches. In embodiments, the width dimension W and length dimension L are selected to replicate a plinth such as might be found in a physical therapy clinic. In other embodiments, e.g., for a chair or for a larger patient, the width dimension W and the length dimension L may be smaller or larger depending on the particular circumstances. In a particular embodiment designed for a chair or as a stability cushion on the floor, the width dimension W and the length dimension L of the base  10  are equal and are from 10 inches to 18 inches, more particularly about 15 inches (38 cm×38 cm). 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the first major surface  12  includes a valve port  18 . The valve port  18  allows for the inflation and deflation of the base  10 . In particular, the valve port  18  allows air to enter the interior of the base  10  in order for the base to inflate and air to exit from the interior of the base  10  in order for the base to deflate. While the valve port  18  is depicted on the first major surface  12 , the valve port  18  may also be provided on the second major surface  14  or the minor surface  16 . Additionally, the valve port  18  is depicted in a corner at one end of the first major surface  12 , but the valve port  18  may be positioned substantially anywhere on the first major surface  12 , the second major surface  14 , or the minor surface  16 . 
     Additionally, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the base  10  may include one or more handles  19  or rings  20 , such as D-rings. The handles  19  allow for a person to position the base  10 . Additionally, the handles  19 , as well as the rings  20 , allow a person to anchor the base  10  to the ground or to a piece of furniture. For example, a tether, such as a strap or bungee cord, may be attached to the handles  19  or the rings  20 . The tether may be looped around the furniture, such as around a chair or mattress, to anchor the base  10 , or the tether may be attached at the other end to a stake that can be driven into the ground to keep the base stable. Additionally, handles  19  or rings  20  may be used as attachment points for exercise equipment, such as resistance bands or foot straps.  FIG. 2  also depicts center lines  23  running along the length of the base  10 . The center lines  23  may be used to aid in alignment during the performance of various physical therapy techniques or yoga positions. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the base  10  being filled with air to transition from a deflated sate to an inflated state. As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , a pump  21  compresses air and forces it into the interior of the base  10 . Specifically, the pump  21  includes a hose  22  that is connected at one end to the valve port  18 . The pump  21  draws in surrounding air, compresses it, and forces it through the hose  22  into the base  10 .  FIG. 3  depicts an electrical pump  21 , which may be powered by an AC or DC power supply (e.g., electrical plug, battery, solar panel, etc.). Further, in embodiments, the pump  21  may be a mechanical pump, comparable to a bike pump (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). In  FIG. 3 , the base  10  is being inflated form a storage configuration in which the deflated base  10  is rolled-up along its length dimension.  FIG. 4  depicts the fully-inflated base  10 . In embodiments, the fully inflated base  10  is at a pressure of from 10 to 15 psi. It is believed that the base as described, including the above-described dimensions and internal pressure, are sufficient to support patients up to about 300 lbs. 
     Additionally, the base  10  can be inflated to less than the fully inflated configuration for performance of certain physical therapy techniques or yoga. For example, at a pressure less than the fully inflated pressure, the base  10  provides an unstable surface to practice balance activities. Further, the partially inflated base  10  can act as a crash pad for falls (for example, cushioning a fall from a bed in the night). 
     In embodiments, the base  10  is made of a drop-stitch material  24  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Drop-stitch material  24  allows structures to be inflated to high pressures by joining the first major surface  12  to the second major surface  14  by thousands of threads  26 . In embodiments, the drop stitch material  24  includes a first woven support fabric  28  and a second woven support fabric  30  that are joined by the threads  26 . In embodiments, the first woven support fabric  28  and the second woven support fabric  30  are a polyester, and the threads  26  are also a polyester. The polyester materials are used in embodiments because polyester is generally strong, durable and has very little stretch. In embodiments, the first woven support fabrics  28  is coated with a first air-tight layer  32 , and the second woven support fabric  30  is coated with a second air-tight layer  34 . In embodiments, the air-tight layers are PVC coatings. The drop-stitch material  30  further includes a first outer layer  36  that, in embodiments, defines the first major surface  12  and a second outer layer  38  that defines the second major surface  12 . In embodiments, the first outer layer  36  and the second outer layer  38  are made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material. In embodiments, one or both of the outer layers  36 ,  38  may be textured to provide traction. Further, in embodiments, a foam layer (such as shown in  FIG. 6 ) may be provided on the first outer layer  36 . In embodiments, the foam layer may be a separate article that is placed over the first outer layer  38 , or in other embodiments, the foam layer is integral with the first outer layer  38 . In embodiments, the foam comprises one or more of EVA, polyurethane, neoprene, nitrile rubber, low density polyethylene, and silicone, among others. 
     In embodiments, the material of the minor surface  16  (not shown) includes a polyester base fabric with an air-tight PVC coating and optionally an outer layer of, e.g., EVA. In embodiments, the material of the minor surface is sewn or glued to the drop-stitch material in a manner that creates an airtight seam with the first major surface  12  and the second major surface  14 . 
     As mentioned above, the inflatable base  10  is particularly suitable for performing physical therapy techniques, particularly when placed over a piece of furniture.  FIG. 6  depicts the inflatable base  10  positioned on a piece of furniture  40 , in particular a bed  42 . Physical therapy patients, who may not be able to easily perform physical therapy movements on the floor or ground and who do not have access to a physical therapy plinth, often perform the physical therapy techniques on a bed, couch, or in a chair. Such surfaces typically do not provide the requisite support and flatness necessary to perform the techniques correctly. Accordingly, by placing the inflatable base  10  over the piece of furniture  40 , a flat and rigid support surface is provided for performing the physical therapy techniques. 
     Additionally, in embodiments, the base  10  may be placed on the ground, and in this way, a flat, elevated surface may be provided on damp or lumpy ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable base  10  may be used to perform yoga outdoors. 
     In the method, the base  10  is positioned such that the second major surface  14  of the base  10  is over a surface, such as a mattress  42  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In embodiments, when the base  10  is positioned, the base  10  is in the deflated configuration. Then, in embodiments, the base  10  is inflated to the inflated configuration. Thereafter, a physical therapy technique can be performed on the base  10 . The base  10  allows for a person performing the physical therapy technique to be in at least one of a standing position, a supine position, a prone position, a hooklying position, a sidelying position, a kneeling position, a quadruped position, or a sitting position, among others. Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the inflatable base  10  is provided with a foam layer  43  to provide additional comfort for a patient performing the physical therapy technique. 
     Advantageously, once the patient is finished performing the physical therapy technique, the base  10  can be deflated, rolled-up, and stowed in a compact package.  FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of an inflatable base kit  44 . In an embodiment, the kit  44  includes the inflatable base  10 , a pump  21 , and a duffle bag  46 . The base  10  can be rolled-up and stored in the duffle bag  46  along with the pump  21 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the base  10  includes one valve port  18  and one handle  19 , and the base  10  has the dimensions of 182 cm×81 cm×5 cm. In another embodiment, the kit  44  includes the base  10 , the pump  21 , and one or more straps  47  and clips  48  (e.g., side-squeeze style plastic buckles). In such an embodiment, the base  10  can be rolled-up and clipped in a storage position using the straps  47  and the clips  48 . The straps  47  and clips  48  may be sewn, glued, or otherwise permanently secured onto the drop-stitch material of the base  10 , or the straps  47  and clips  48  may be separate from the base  10  and wrapped around the base  10 . In embodiments, the straps  47  are long enough to wrap around both the base  10  and the pump  21  to secure the pump  21  against the rolled-up base  10 . Further, the straps  47  may also be provided with a handle  49  to facilitate carrying of the base  10  (and pump  21 ) without needing a duffle bag  46 . Further, in embodiments, the inflatable base  10  may include Velcro straps and handles that allow the rolled up inflatable base  10  to be maintained in the rolled-up configuration while also providing a way to carry the base  10  without the use of the duffle bag  46 . Accordingly, the inflatable base  10  is portable and stores in a small package size. 
     While the base  10  can be easily deflated to provide compact storage, the inflatable base  10  can also be stored in the inflated configuration, e.g., by propping against a wall or stored under a bed, because of its thinness and low weight that allow for easy manipulation. 
     The inventor believes that the inflatable base  10  can play an important role in patient compliance with home exercise programs by making available a space-saving and light weight clinic-quality plinth suitable for the patient&#39;s home. By improving patient compliance with home exercise plans, inflatable base  10  may support better clinical outcomes for patients. This in turn helps physical therapists/clinics improve their outcome scores, which can lead to increased reimbursement payments from insurance. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.