Abstract:
In therapeutic apparatus, the combination comprising an adjustable cradle pressure exerting therapeutic cushion, a flexible sheath housing a cushion, an elongated support operatively connected to a sheath for maneuvering a sheath and cushion into selected position or positions for transmitting pressure between a person and a surface onto which a person&#39;s body weight is imposed via a cushion and sheath.

Description:
This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61/126,054, filed May 1, 2008. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to local pressure producing therapeutic apparatus, and more particularly to easily adjustable cushion or pillow apparatus providing multiple benefits as respects structure, function and useful results when controllably applied to the human body. The invention provides controllable means for applying pressure to soft tissues, at various locations on the human body, by controlling the placement, orientation and adjustment of pressure points to be described. 
     Long history of human experience and medical data, demonstrate that many medical problems associated with soft tissues, and organs are exacerbated by restricted blood flow. Restrictions in blood flow result from many conditions experienced by people, such as over exertion, trauma, stress and other external factors. These soft tissues and organs include the brain and as such, issues such as headaches with particular emphasis on migraine headaches, are suffered by many millions of people, worldwide. 
     Pressure applied in localized areas of soft tissues, and other deep massage applications are demonstrative of increasing blood flow, creating conditions in soft tissues allowing the inter connective tissue boundaries, and other elements, to elongate. The effects of this localized and specifically controlled pressure in applications of fixed or variable time used, preferably but not limited to times of pressure, induce in the tissues an elongation and relaxation, that cycles the blood pressure in localized regions in the soft tissues resulting in a natural augmentation of function. 
     The use of massage techniques require therapists or other persons. There is need for simple, compact means to automatically apply variable pressure, without requiring a massage therapist. 
     There is also need for simple effective treatment of muscle groups such as, but not limited to, areas of the scapula, trunk, and shoulders which are particularly vulnerable to constriction from normal activities such as the act of typing. Muscle groups such as, but not limited to, Rhomboid minor, and Rhomboid major, Trapezius, and Levator Scapulae, respectively, are muscle groups needing treatment as by the present invention to effectively increase blood flow. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a major object of the invention to provide method and means to meet the above needs. Basically, and in apparatus aspects, the invention comprises: 
     a) adjustable cradle pressure exerting therapeutic cushion means, 
     b) flexible sheath means housing the cushion means, 
     c) elongated support means operatively connected to the sheath means for maneuvering the sheath means and cushion means into selected positions for adjustably transmitting pressure between a person and a surface onto which a person&#39;s body weight is imposed via the cushion means and sheath means. 
     As will be seen, the apparatus of the invention preferably includes cushion means in the form of two partially deformable, and relatively stiff globular elements individually shiftable in response to user pressure application. 
     Another object includes provision of sheath means in the form of sheath sections extending about the shiftable globular elements, and connecting said elements in the space therebetween, allowing the elements to relatively twist. As will be seen, those elements may advantageously include flexible enclosures filled with flowable material, allowing relative position shifting of the enclosure within the sheath structure. 
     A further object includes provision of strap means to include at least two elongated relatively narrow straps operatively connected to opposite ends of said sheath means, which is elongated between said ends. 
     As will be seen, the sheath means is preferably elongated and has a mid-portion extending between the globular elements to maintain relative shiftability thereof. The strap means is preferably attached to opposite ends of the sheath means to allow maximum shiftability thereof relative to the user&#39;s torso, and without strap interference with said shiftability. 
     The method of use of the improved, compact, self-adjustable apparatus includes:
         i) positioning said sheath means in cradling relation adjacent the human body, by manipulation of said strap means,   ii) allowing pressure exerted by the body to be transmitted via said sheath means and cushion means to a support surface, thereby locally and controllably pressurizing and deforming the body, by cradled pressure exertion.       

     The method may also include the step of periodically adjusting the position of the sheath means relative to the body. 
     The method may further include selecting and employing relatively different size dual cushion means, enclosed in said sheath means. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       DRAWING DESCRIPTION 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation of preferred apparatus incorporating the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view showing shiftability direction to self adjust pressure apparatus points; 
         FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  show three states of pressure exertion; 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the  FIG. 1  apparatus, as positioned between a reclining user&#39;s back and an external surface; and 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are diagrams showing two different self-adjusted uses of the globular elements when positioned as in  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 6  shows different size and shape globular pressure elements. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A top view of the apparatus  10  shows basic elements. Globular elements  11  and  12  are spherical, but are not limited to this preferred embodiment, there being analogous shapes that provide the function of force transmitting interface with the human body. In use, cradled pressure exertion is created, by either weight of the human body against the apparatus that transfers pressure against some surface, or the weight of the apparatus that applies pressure to the human tissue. 
     Smooth or textured, the surfaces of the elements  11  and  12 , are typically resiliently compressible, and can be varied by size, weight, geometry, and density. The pressure elements  11  and  12 , can be inflated, or filled with materials such as gels, and/or water, to achieve the disclosed utility herein described. Preferably, the enclosed flowable material  13  is housed within flexible enclosures  11   a  and  12   a  allowing limited deformation. A single pressure element, or multiple pressure elements are employed, with a preferred embodiment employing two, as shown. The elements  11  and  12  preferably are located a specific distance  14  apart, or close to one another. They are positioned spaced apart relative to one another to allow independent deflection or squeezing in response to variable pressure application, with the elements independently deformed in accordance with the contours of the human body, or clothed human body, being pressurized. The thin control membranes  11   a  and  12   a  enclosing the material  13  consist of fabric, plastic or other material, and can be semi-rigid, or flexible in construction. The control membranes  11   a  and  12   a  provide a sealed off zone at 16 between the pressure elements, and serve to exclude moisture and vibration, providing structural strength to maintain internal placement of enclosed material  13 . 
     The pressure elements  11  and  12 , enclosed in control sheath sections or membranes  11   a  and  12   a  are further enclosed in an adjustable outer pouch  18 , acting as a further sheath and that consists of fabric, plastic or other flexible material operating as a pressure transmitting control that interfaces with the human user. A flexible housing  180  or outer sheath encloses pouch  18  having a surface layer  19  that is typically smooth, soft, fuzzy, or that has other texture that is flexible and interfaces conformingly in pressure transmitting relation between pressure elements and the human user. Flexible housing  180  is elongated and has convex ends. Note space  120  between  11   a  and  12   a  and  18 ; and space  121  between  18  and  180 , allowing shifting of  11  and  12 . Pouch  18  has a mid-region defining a sealed off zone having outwardly and oppositely facing concave surfaces between mid-portions of the pressure elements  11  and  12 . An hourglass shape is formed 
     The generally cylindrical, elongated housing  180  has fasteners  20  and  21 , attached such that adjustment straps  22  and  23 , can be affixed to the ends of  180 , providing adjustability in strap length and deployment as when the housing dangles at the user&#39;s back. This utility of flexible straps provides a means of controlling the precise supported placement of the device adjacent the body or human tissue. The housing is equipped with an opening  183  that is securable at  184 , as by VELCRO, and that provides for removal and replacement of elements  11  and  12  secured in  18 , which may have a similar opening at  185 . Such elements may be of different sizes and hardness as referred to. Removal of the pressure elements from  18  and  180  facilitates their cleaning, and provides for interchangeability of the pressure elements  11  and  12  to accommodate different sizes, textures, or densities of elements to exert selective and controlled pressure against specific areas of human soft tissues, and to accommodate different size users. Different size and shape globular elements are shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   d.    
     A  FIG. 2  top view shows orientation of pressure elements, to each other. From the top view the cervical vertebra is shown in element  130 . The specific invention is shown with the control membrane  18  that keeps the pressure elements  11  and  12  in proper separation with independent amount of flex each pressure element, as in a static, and dynamic deployment where static pressure against the user&#39;s body can be adjusted, readjusted and applied as the user intends, with strap lengthening adjustment over the shoulders. 
     The outer containment housing in vessel  180  holds the control membrane  18 , which in turn holds the pressure elements  11  and  12  and can be made with a multiplicity of surfaces ranging from very smooth, to textured and contoured. The outer housing protects the inside elements, and may be sealed, or unsealed allowing interchanging of  11 ,  12  and  18 . 
     The pressure elements  11  and  12  can be multiple and not limited to one or two. The variable sizes and textures of the elements offer multiple utility in treating human tissue. Pressure elements  11  and  12  can be heated by boiling, microwaving, and other methods of heating, to hold thermal latent heat to be released as the present invention is being used. 
     Straps  22  and  23  that are attached to  180  terminate at adjustable connection  25 . The user is able to adjust the lengths of the straps supporting  180  for precise orientation and level of the device against or with respect to human tissue to be treated. 
     The thoracic structure  131  indicated reflective side  126  is bounded by the straps. See also formed cervical vertebra  120 . Surface  27  of 180 pressurizes thoracic element surface  28 , as via flesh at  29 . Such pressure exertion, described in  FIG. 3   a , shows an example of the multiplicity of locations, and soft tissues, including the limbs and head, the entire body to which the device of the invention can be applied for expanded utility. A vibrating component or means  200  is shown in  11 , to induce vibratory pressurization of the user&#39;s tissue, with  11  and  12  pressing against  18  and  180 , adjacent the user&#39;s tissue. 
       FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  side views show a progression of three states of sample soft tissue pressurized experience. Element  31  is a human, or animal, bone. Muscle tissue  37  is shown in a constricted state. Constriction is a normal example of soft tissue response to trauma. The surface shape of the muscle tissue group  34  is shown, as is depicted by connective tissue  38  and  39  on either side of muscle group  34 . 
     In  FIG. 3   b  device  44 , representing the  FIGS. 1 and 2  devices, is applied to the muscle group  35  responding to applied pressure at  44 . The bone  32  holds connective tissue  40  and  41 , on either side of the muscle group  35 . The effect is to localize pressure, both static or moving, that elongates the individual muscle tissue, and human, or animal soft tissue  45  and  46 , delivering a utility of elongation. The induced state of elongation changes constricted muscle soft tissue  45 , into elongated soft tissue elements  146 . 
     In  FIG. 3   c , bone  33  is shown holding connective tissue at  42  and  43 , and intermediate soft tissue group at  36 . The effect of use of pressure device  44  results in softer tissue shapes at  36 , having a predominate amount of specific soft tissue elements  47  that are increasingly elongated relative to their shapes before the device  44  is applied. 
       FIG. 4  shows a standing human user  48  adjusting the straps of device  50 , representing the  FIG. 1  device, adjacent a location  53  of soft tissue at user&#39;s back. The adjustable straps  51  and  52 , provide the user  48  manually controlled device location adjustability, as described above. Additional utility of orienting and controlling the device placement is provided. 
       FIG. 5   a  shows a reclining human user  54 , with device  55  (as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) placed such that the intended soft tissue  56  of the back is targeted for pressure application, provided by the natural weight of the user  54  pressing  56  against the device. 
       FIG. 5   b  shows a sitting user  57 , driving a vehicle and using device  58 , like the  FIG. 1  device. The user is positioned behind the steering wheel  60 . Drivers experience back pain, to be alleviated. The device  58  is held in place by the adjustable straps extending over the user&#39;s shoulders, to allow the user to control the amount of pressure on soft tissue  61 . 
     In standing, laying down, sitting and all other positions, human and animal users can apply the adjustable cradling pressure of the invention to treat soft tissue trauma. Providing control of texture, pressure density, orientation, temperature, number of pressure elements and surface interface gives the present invention enhanced utility. The adjustable flexible elements provide an improved method to precisely control cradled pressure, in use, for treatment of soft tissues.