Patent Publication Number: US-2016235575-A1

Title: Lower Spine Brace

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/763,188, filed on Feb. 8, 2013. All extrinsic materials identified herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention is orthotics. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     Orthotic devices are provided for partial or substantial immobilization of the torso to stabilize the back. These orthotic devices are back braces which can be fitted snugly around the torso of a wearer. Such back braces are effective in achieving spinal stability if worn properly. For many users, back braces are difficult to appropriately position and fasten. Without being consistently worn and properly adjusted, the effectiveness is substantially reduced. 
     US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0213284 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,001,348 to Garth et al. overcome some of the problems discussed above. These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
     It has yet to be appreciated that a brace&#39;s adjustability can be maintained without reducing comfort to a wearer. Thus, there is still a need for improved adjustable braces. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which one could use a brace to support a body of a wearer. Preferred braces are configured to provide support to a lower spine or other area of a wearer, and comprises one or more panels having an aperture sized and dimensioned to receive an end portion of a lateral support (e.g., belt). 
     In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, the aperture of the panel can be at least partially defined by a first wall and a second wall. One or both of the walls can be arced to prevent a twisting or other deformation of the panel. It is especially preferred that the first wall is substantially flat along a bottom surface, while the second wall&#39;s bottom surface has an arced portion. As used herein, the term “substantially flat” includes completely flat surfaces as well as those surfaces having a curve of no more than 5 degrees from horizontal. 
     Including an arced portion in the panel advantageously allows the first wall to maintain substantially flat, while the second wall including the arced portion can flex inwardly toward a wearer. In contrasts, panels without an arced portion such as those found in the prior art would have the first wall or portion flex outwardly while the second wall or portion flexes inwardly when pressure is applied to the panel via a lateral panel or otherwise. 
     It is contemplated that an arced portion can comprise any suitable shape comprising a visible curvature. One exemplary arc shape comprises a hollow substantially half-dome shape. 
     In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, one or more of the walls, and preferably the first wall, can additionally or alternatively comprise a plurality of protrusions configured to engage a portion of the lateral support. This engaging of the portion can advantageously maintain a vertical or horizontal position of the engaged portion of the lateral support with respect to the panel. It is further contemplated that the plurality of protrusions can engage a fastener disposed on the lateral support to thereby eliminate a need for a second fastener on the lateral support. For example, at least some of the plurality of protrusions could engage a hook or loop material of the lateral support to thereby secure a position of the lateral support with respect to the panel. 
     Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a panel of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of protrusions composing a panel of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a lateral support threaded through an aperture of one embodiment of a panel. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial view of one embodiment of a lateral support threaded through an aperture of one embodiment of a panel and fastened upon itself. 
         FIG. 5  is another partial view of the lateral support and panel from  FIG. 6 . 
         FIGS. 6A-C  are partial perspective views of one embodiment of a brace of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a cord system of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are partial views of a cord guide and retention device of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show two possible apertures of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic of one embodiment of a panel of the inventive subject matter comprising a slit instead of an aperture. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic showing two portions of a panel having arcs of different dimensions. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic of an embodiment of a panel of the inventive subject matter having two apertures. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a panel of the inventive subject matter. Panel  100  advantageously can be coupled to at least one of a lateral support, a panel connector, a second panel, or any other suitable component of a brace. 
     Panel  100  preferably comprises a single integral piece of flexible material, and could be injection molded, for example. Panel  100  can comprise an inward curve configured to fit a lordotic curve of a wearer. Due to its flexible nature, the curve of panel  100  can be exaggerated, for example, by a tightening of the brace around a wearer. As used herein, the term “flexible” is used broadly to include materials that are capable of being slightly, moderately or substantially bent or curved without permanent deformation. 
     Alternatively, the panel of the inventive subject matter can be made from one or more pieces of material, and can be made of any suitable flexible or non-flexible material(s), including for example, a fabric, a padding, a soft plastic, or a rigid plastic. 
     Panel  100  comprises cord guides  160 , retention device  170 , which are described in further detail below. Panel  100  also comprises a first aperture  120 , which is at least partially bordered by first portion  130  and second portion  140 . It is contemplated that an aperture can be bordered by 1, 2, 3, 4, or even 5 or more portions or walls, depending on the configuration of the aperture. 
     While aperture  120  comprises a through-hole, it is contemplated that an aperture of the inventive subject matter can comprise any suitable shape that is sized and dimensioned to at least partially accept an end portion of a lateral support. As examples, an aperture can comprise a substantially C-shape as shown in  FIG. 9A , or a curved hole that does not run completely through the thickness of the panel (e.g. two openings on the same side of the panel that connect). 
     First portion  130  comprises a plurality of protrusions  110 , which are configured to engage a portion of a lateral support (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The plurality of protrusions  110  advantageously help maintain a vertical position of the portion of the lateral support engaged by the protrusions, with respect to the first panel, when a portion of the lateral support is threaded through the aperture. This helps prevent the lateral support from collapsing or bunching up when worn by a wearer. Although it is contemplated that the plurality of protrusions could include a set of spikes, protrusions with rounded or flat ends are also contemplated. 
     Second portion  140  comprises an arced portion  150 , which is configured to allow the first portion  130  or other portion of the panel to be pulled or otherwise manipulated without causing panel  100  to twist. While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  only comprises a single arc, it is contemplated that a panel of the inventive subject matter can comprise any suitable number of arc (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.), each of the arcs can comprise the same or different shape (e.g., height, width, curvature, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 11 , a first portion  1102  of a panel  1100  partially defining an aperture can comprise an arc having a maximum height A (e.g., less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, etc.), while a second portion  1104  of a panel  1100  partially defining the same aperture can comprise an arc having a larger maximum height B (e.g., 3 mm, 4 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, or even larger, etc.). The arcs may be in the same or different directions. It is also contemplated that two or more arcs can be included on the same portion or wall of a panel. 
     Preferably, the arced portion comprises the inward curve configured to fit a lordotic curve of a wearer. 
     It is especially preferred that the first portion  130  comprises a substantially flat bottom surface while the second portion  140  comprises the arced portion  150 . This advantageously allows the second portion  140  to flex inwardly toward a wearer when pressure is applied to the panel  100  such as via a lateral support or otherwise, while preventing the first portion  130  from flexing such that the first portion  130  can remain substantially flat. Without the arced portion  150 , it is likely that the first portion  130  would flex outwardly to compensate for the inward flexing of the second portion  140  when at least a threshold pressure is applied to the panel  100 . 
     Although shown having an arc  150 , it is also contemplated that the entire second portion  140  could be arced. 
       FIG. 2  shows a close up view of a plurality of protrusions  210  on first portion  220  of panel  200 . The plurality of protrusions are disposed on first surface  222  and second surface  224  of first portion  220 , and first surface  222  at least partially defines a perimeter of aperture  230 . In some other embodiments, it is contemplated that the plurality of protrusions can be disposed on 1, 3, 4, or even 5 or more surfaces of a portion/wall of a panel. 
     In this embodiment, each of the protrusions form an acute and obtuse angle with respect to the surfaces of the first portion because they extend out of the substantially flat surfaces at an angle. However, it is contemplated that one or more of the protrusions could form a right angle with respect to a flat surface. It is also contemplated that a surface of a portion/wall could comprise a non-flat surface (e.g., rounded, jagged, etc.) and that a protrusion could be disposed on the non-flat surface at any angle with respect to the surface. 
     A protrusion of the inventive subject matter can comprise any suitable shape, including for example, a mushroom shape having a rounded tip, an elongated sharp element, a serrated end, a substantially conical shape having a pointed tip, a folded over end (e.g., the loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, etc.), an hook shape with a pointed or rounded tip, or any other suitable shape. Moreover, a plurality of protrusions can all comprise protrusions having the same shape, or can comprise a combination of protrusions having different shapes. 
     Where a plurality of protrusions comprise at least some protrusions having a loop shape or a hook shape, or a hook or loop element is attached to (e.g., glued, welded, etc.) or molded into one or more of the walls, it is contemplated that the hooks or loops can couple with a hook or loop element of a lateral support, thereby providing a fastening mechanism between the panel and the lateral support, and eliminating the requirement of an additional fastener on the lateral support. 
       FIG. 3  shows a lateral support  360  having an end threaded through aperture  370  of first panel  300 . As shown, first portion  330  of panel  300  comprises a plurality of protrusions  310 , which are configured to couple with fabric of lateral support  360  and substantially maintain a position of the first lateral support  360  with respect to first panel  300 . 
       FIG. 4  shows first lateral support  460  having one end threaded through aperture  420  of panel  400  and held substantially in place via a fastener (not shown) (e.g., hook and loop, button and aperture, a snap fastener comprising male and female portions, etc.). The two portions of fastener(s) can be on the same side of first lateral support  460 , such that first lateral support  460  can thread through an aperture, fold over, and fasten upon itself. The arced portion  450  of second portion  440  allows a user to tug at first lateral support  460  (e.g., to tighten the brace, etc.) or cord, etc. coupled with panel  400  without substantially twisting or otherwise distorting panel  400 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the brace of  FIG. 4 , wherein a plurality of protrusions (not shown) have attached to the fold of lateral support  460 , thereby preventing the fold from bunching up and causing discomfort to a wearer. 
       FIGS. 6A-C  shows a brace of the inventive subject matter having a first panel  600  and a second panel  610  separate from the first panel  600 , which are coupled together via first connector  640 . Lumbar support  650  comprises a padding material, and is configured to couple with first connector  640  via fastener  645 . 
     First panel  600  comprises a first aperture  601  at least partially defined by first portion  602  and second portion  603 . First aperture  601  is sized and dimensioned to receive an end of first lateral support  620 . As shown, a first side of support  620  comprises one or more fasteners that allows support  620  to fasten upon itself upon being thread through aperture  601 . In this particular embodiment, a first side of the end portion comprises a hook or loop material, and the remainder of the first side of the lateral support comprises a complementary material (hook or loop). Thus, the end portion can be coupled along various lengths of lateral support  620  depending on the size of the wearer, or the desired fit. 
     Second panel  610  comprises a second aperture  611  that is partially defined by a third portion  612  and fourth portion  613 . Second aperture  611  is sized and dimensioned to receive an end portion of second lateral support  630 . Similarly to first lateral support  620 , second lateral support  630  comprises one or more fasteners that allows support  630  to fasten upon itself after being thread through aperture  611  and folded over. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of a brace of the inventive subject matter having first and second sets of cord guides. Brace  7000  comprises first panel  7030  and second panel  7060 , which are coupled together via a connector that attaches to both panels. It is contemplated that the connector can attach to one or more panels via any suitable attachment means, including for example, gluing, welding, stitching, or stapling. 
     First panel  7030  comprises or is coupled to a first set of cord guides  7040  comprising one or more cord guides, and a third set of cord guides  7070  comprising one or more cord guides. Second panel  7060  comprises or is coupled to a second set of cord guides  7045  comprising one or more cord guides, and a fourth set of cord guides  7065  comprising one or more cord guides. 
     Each cord guide can comprise a rotating or non-rotating cord guide, and is sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of a first cord  7050  and a second cord  7075 . First cord  7050  is sequentially thread back and forth across a portion of the connector, from a cord guide of the first set of cord guides  7030  to a cord guide of the second set of cord guides  7045 , such that pulling on the first cord  7050  in a first direction shortens a distance between a top portion of first panel  7030  and a top portion of second panel  7060 . Second cord  7075  is sequentially thread back and forth across a portion of the connector, from a cord guide of the third set of cord guides  7070  to a cord guide of the fourth set of cord guides  7065 , such that pulling on the second cord  7075  in a second direction shortens a distance between a bottom portion of the first panel  7030  and a bottom portion of the second panel  7060 . 
     In some embodiments, a brace can comprise a single cord threaded through a first and second set of cord guides, such that when the first cord is pulled in a first direction, a distance between the first panel and the second panel can be shortened. 
     Brace  7000  further comprises a first pull tab  7080  and second pull tab  7010 . First pull tab  7080  is coupled with first cord  7050 , and comprises a fastener that is configured to interact with a fastener of the lateral second support  7055  and secure the first pull tab  7080  to second lateral support  7055 . It is contemplated that second lateral support  7055  can comprise one or more fasteners along a substantial length of a first side of support  7055  (e.g., a large strip of hook or loop fastener, etc.), such that the fastener of pull tab  7080  (e.g., hook or loop fastener, etc.) can interact with (e.g., couple with, attach to, etc.) a fastener of the lateral support  7055  along various portions of its length or width. Second pull tab  7010  is coupled with second cord  7075 , and comprises a fastener that is configured to interact with a fastener of first lateral support  7020 , 
       FIGS. 8A-B  show a portion of a panel of the inventive subject matter having a cord guide and a cord retention device. First panel  700  comprises a first portion  710  and second portion  730 . The first portion  710  comprises a plurality of protrusions (not shown), which are configured to substantially block a movement of a lateral support. The second portion  730  comprises a first cord guide  720 , sized and dimensioned to receive cord  770 , and a cord retention device  740 , configured to stop cord  770  from retracting beyond a specified point (e.g., where cord block  760  is). 
     As used herein, the term “cord block” is used very broadly, and can include a knot, multiple knots, a piece of wood, metal, plastic or other material that surrounds a portion of a cord, or any other item that has a diameter or width that is larger than the diameter or width of the cord itself. 
     As shown, cord retention device  740  comprises an aperture having a first end  742  and second end  744 . The first end  742  comprises a first width, and is sized and dimensioned to readily receive cord  770  and cord block  760 . The second end  744  comprises a second width smaller than the first width, and is sized and dimensioned to readily receive cord  770 , but not cord block  760 , which has a smaller width or diameter than cord  770 . It is contemplated that the first width can be larger than, equal to, or even smaller than a diameter or width of cord block  760 . Where the first width is smaller than a diameter or width of cord block  760 , the cord block  760  can still be readily received by first end where cord block  760  is compressible. Similarly, second width can be larger than, equal to, or even smaller than a diameter or width of cord  770 . Where the second width is smaller than a diameter or width of cord  770 , the cord  770  can still be readily received by second end where cord  770  is compressible. It is contemplated that the first width can be determined as a function of a diameter or width of a cord block, and that the second width can be determined as a function of a diameter or width of a cord. 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate different embodiments of a panel of the inventive subject matter.  FIG. 9A  illustrates a panel  900  having a “c-shape”, which includes an aperture  920  at least partially defined by first, second, and third portions  930 ,  940 , and  950 , respectively, of the panel  900 . The second portion  940  can include an arced portion  955  that includes an inward curve configured to fit a lordotic curve of a wearer. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a panel  902  having first and second apertures  922  and  924 . The first aperture  922  can be at least partially defined by first and second portions  932  and  942 , while the second aperture  924  can be at least partially defined by the second portion  942  and a third portion  952 . Preferably, the second portion  942  includes an arced portion  954  illustrated by the dotted lines. 
       FIG. 10  shows a possible embodiment of a panel of the inventive subject matter. Panel  1000  comprises a first portion  1010  and second portion  1030  that define a slit  1020 . Second portion  1030  comprises a first and second set of cord guides,  1050  and  1040 , respectively, a retention device  1060 , and an arc  1070 . It is contemplated that a lateral support or other element can couple with panel  1000  via a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, magnets, sewing, welding, gluing, or any other commercially suitable means. For example, an end portion of a lateral support can be stitched to an edge of first portion  1010 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of a panel of the inventive subject matter having two apertures. First panel  1200  comprises a first aperture  1240  that is at least partially defined by first portion  1210  and second portion  1220 . First panel  1200  also comprises a second aperture that is at least partially defined by second portion  1220  and third portion  1230 . First aperture  1240  can be sized and dimensioned to receive an end of a first lateral support, and second aperture  1250  can be sized and dimensioned to receive an end of a second lateral support, or the first lateral support upon being wrapped around a waist of a wearer. 
     The second portion  1220  comprises a first arc  1260  and a second arc  1270 , which advantageously prevent panel  1200  from twisting when a lateral support or cord, etc. is pulled in a first direction by a user. Where a brace of the inventive subject matter comprises a single lateral support, it is contemplated that a first end of the lateral support can be threaded through first aperture  1240  and fastened upon itself, and a second end of the lateral support can be threaded through second aperture  1250  and fastened upon itself. Where a brace of the inventive subject matter comprises two lateral supports, it is contemplated that a first end of the first lateral support can be threaded through first aperture  1240 , while a first end of the second lateral support can be threaded through second aperture  1240 . The second end of the first lateral support can then be wrapped over a second end of the second lateral support and couple together via a fastener. For example, each of the first and second lateral supports can comprise a hook material on a front side and a loop material on the back side. When the second end of the first lateral support is wrapped over a second end of the second lateral support, the loop material on the back side of the second end of the first lateral support can couple with the hook material on the front side of the second end of the second lateral support and secure the brace to the wearer. 
     If the brace described above also comprises a cord system, a pull tab of the cord system can comprise a loop material that is configured to couple with the hook material on the front side of the first or second lateral supports. 
     Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
     In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. 
     As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual 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 with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
     As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
     It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.