JP3159458B2 - Body support equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a body support device and, more particularly, to a body support device comprising a plurality of cushion parts adapted to a body shape to support a body during treatment.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is desirable to support various parts of the body during a medical or therapeutic procedure. Such treatments include chiropractic, birth, massage and physiotherapy treatments. For example, when treating a vertebra, the patient is usually placed face down on a table. Then the therapist observes the alignment of the vertebrae,
Touch it. The therapist applies various forces to the vertebrae to align one or more vertebrae with adjacent vertebrae. The body can suffer varying degrees of pain when subjected to force. For example, when the chest is supported on a flat table, downward pressure on the spine and chest will cause the woman's soft breast tissue to be pulled.

[0003] Accordingly, body support devices have been developed to alleviate some of the pain experienced during treatment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,793 relates to mattresses designed for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia in pregnant women. The mattress includes a chamber formed inside an inflated tube or ring. The chamber is open at the top and houses the abdominal wall.
This abdominal wall moves freely within the chamber. Additional openings are provided to accommodate the patient's breasts and feet. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,021,872 and 4,051,566 also describe other mattresses having a cavity.

An adjustable bed which can be placed at various heights and has a flat surface is described in US Pat. No. 3,795,018. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,828,377 and 3,913,155 also disclose adjustable body support devices. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,499,013 and 4,596,384 disclose chiropractic tables. In the latter patent, the platform consists of separate support surfaces for the head, thorax and abdomen, and buttocks.

[0005]

Despite the advantages afforded by these body support devices described above, these devices do not provide conformal support for each body part to support the body. There is a limit in that. Applicants have invented a support that supports at least some portion of the body to conform to its shape.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a head support having a shape and size for supporting a head, and a shape and size for supporting a chest. A chest support having a recess for accommodating the breast and abdomen, and comprising a plurality of preformed sheets shaped to support at least the sternum and the collar, and a shape and size for supporting the abdomen. The abdominal support is formed from a plurality of preformed sheets overlapping each other, and is shaped to support the pelvis to substantially straighten the lumbar spine curve, and further comprises a lower limb and An ankle support having a shape and a size for supporting the ankle is provided, and each of the supports is portable and can be selectively adjusted in mutual position according to the body shape. To be so, and is free to move independently of each other.

[0007] The head support is formed of a substantially flat board and a plurality of foam blocks arranged in a generally annular fashion on the board to provide a support surface for at least the forehead and side portions of the head. Have been. Each foam block preferably has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape. First separable engagement means are disposed on at least one surface of each foam block and on the surface of the board so that the position of the foam blocks on the board can be selectively adjusted. Each foam block is preferably encapsulated in vinyl.

[0008] The chest support is a stack of three foam sheets on top of each other. One form sheet is a generally rectangular base sheet. The remaining foam sheets are approximately the same, with a T-shaped section connected to a generally rectangular section. This T-shaped section forms a recess for accommodating the breast and supports the sternum and collar. The rectangular part has a recess for accommodating the abdomen. At least two corners of the base sheet are substantially curved. The corners of the rectangular portion adjacent to the T-shaped portion are also substantially curved. As in the case of the head support foam block, the foam sheet is encapsulated in vinyl. In another embodiment, an intermediate foam sheet is located between the base sheet and the remaining sheets.

The abdominal support consists of at least five foam sheets, which overlap each other. One of the sheets is a base sheet having a generally rectangular shape. The second foam sheet is on the base sheet and has a generally U-shaped shape. Similarly, the third foam sheet is above the second foam sheet and has substantially the same shape as the second foam sheet, but less than the width of the second foam sheet. The second and third foam sheets each have a recess for accommodating the abdomen between the U-shaped arms. The fourth foam sheet is obtained by disposing an L-shaped object on the arm of the third foam sheet. The fifth foam sheet has two substantially rectangular blocks arranged on the fourth foam sheet. A plurality of sheets of abdominal support are also encapsulated in vinyl.

[0010] The ankle support is a generally rectangular foam block having a generally flat surface for supporting the lower limbs and the ankle. The generally rectangular foam block has at least one edge bent to support the lower limb and ankle. This substantially rectangular foam block is also preferably encapsulated in vinyl.

[0011] The head support is coupled to the breast support by second engagement means so that the mutual position of the head support and the breast support can be selectively adjusted, and the T of the breast support can be adjusted.
The character is closest to the head support. Similarly, the chest support is coupled to the abdominal support by third separable engagement means so that the mutual position of the chest support and the abdominal support can be selectively adjusted. The abdominal recesses in the body face each other. The second and third separable engagement means each include at least one strap that is separably engageable with each support. Each sheet preferably has a predetermined uniform thickness. Further, the device of the present invention includes a bag sized and shaped to accommodate the head, thorax, abdomen and ankle support.

[0012]

[0013] The present invention also relates to a treatment table comprising two members which are not coplanar. Preferably, the thoracic and abdominal supports are located on one of the members of the couch and the ankle support is located on the other member. Also, one member is at an angle to the other member.

[0014]

The body support device constructed as described above can accommodate various body shapes for a long time. The head support supports at least the forehead and the lateral sides of the head, and the use of a relatively high thoracic support allows the forehead to flex, allowing the therapist to easily access the patient's neck . The chest support has a recess for accommodating the breast, supports the sternum and collar, and also has a recess for accommodating the abdomen, and communicates with the recessed abdominal support to comfortably accommodate the patient. The abdominal support accommodates the patient by tilting the anterior pelvis so that the lumbar spine curve is straightened without hitting the lower abdominal organs. When the patient is lying on his back, the ankle support can also support the ankle without striking the nerves and blood vessels behind the knee due to the rectangular shape.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, references to directions or orientations are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Similarly, while the embodiments described herein are preferred, they should not be deemed to limit the invention. Moreover, similar parts or elements in the various figures are marked with the same number for ease of reference.

FIG. 1 shows a body support device 10 according to the present invention.
Are shown, which includes a head support 12, a chest support 14,
An abdominal support 16 and an ankle support 18 are included. As shown in FIG. 1, a body support device 10 comprising a plurality of parts is portable and can be placed on the floor for direct use on the floor. Alternatively, the body support device 10 or a component thereof can be used on a treatment table, as shown in FIGS. Thus, the individual members 12, 14, 16 and 18 are portable and can be selectively adjusted with respect to each other to suit the shape of the patient being treated. Normal Figure 12
The body is in a prone state, as in
Lying face down. However, the body support device 10 can also accommodate a back-down body in a supine position. This is described more fully below, as shown in FIG. Body support equipment 10
Without it, one would only lie on a prior art flat as shown in FIG. 18 without benefiting from the body support device 10 as described herein. With the flat platform of FIG. 18, there is no support for the face or neck, and the patient is uncomfortable and must rest with one cheek down. Also, there is nothing to support the pelvis or ankles and legs.

An appropriately sized travel bag 20 is used to carry the body support device 10 of the present invention. In this bag, various members can be stored for easy carrying. The bag 20 is generally rectangular and includes a handle strap 22, which is mounted around the bag 20 as shown in FIG. The body support device 10 and the bag 20 constitute a convenient travel set 21 that can be easily carried. Alternatively, the body support device 10 may be in a folded form and can be carried in that shape.

The body support device 10 may be used to lift the patient, if necessary, to facilitate treatment by the therapist.
As shown at 0-13, the two-part table of the present invention may be placed on a table 23, or may be placed on a conventional flat table 25 as shown in FIG. . However, as described, the body support device 10 does not require a treatment table and may be placed directly on the floor. Therefore, the fact that the body support device 10 can be carried has nothing to do with the attached couch. Since the body support device 10 can be used indoors or outdoors, on the ground or on the floor, it is sufficiently portable. As shown in FIG. 11, the parts of the body support device 10 can be stored on the shelf of the treatment table 23 when not in use. In particular, the various components of the body support device 10 can be used together or separately as needed, as in FIG. For example, FIG. 10 and FIG.
At 1, the ankle support 18 is in place and the patient is lying on his back on the couch 23. The ankle support 18, as will be described in greater detail below, can be shaped to support the ankle without abutting nerves and blood vessels behind the knee.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the head support 12 includes a flat board 24 on which three foam blocks 26, preferably encapsulated in vinyl, are disposed. . Foam block 26
Has a generally U-shaped cross section, as shown in FIG. The three foam blocks 26 are arranged substantially annularly to support at least the forehead and side portions of the head. As shown more clearly in FIG. 9, the foam block 26 is provided with a detachable engagement member 2.
8, for example Velcro®, these bands being attached to at least one surface, preferably the bottom, of each foam block 26. These engagement members 28 cooperate with corresponding engagement members 30 provided on the upper surface of the board 24. The engagement member 30 also comprises a suitable Velcro. Therefore, form block 26
Can be oriented in any desired direction on the board 24. The foam block 26 is preferably arranged in a generally annular manner to support at least the forehead and the side of the face of the head. As a means of stabilizing the head, two of the foam blocks 26 each have an inclined portion 31. This portion, when placed on the board 24, inclines substantially toward the center of the foam block 26.

In a preferred embodiment, two of the foam blocks 26 for supporting the side portions of the face are made of flame-retardant foam material and have a size of 51/2 inches × 31 /.
It is a 2 inch rectangle and 31/2 inches high. One of the foam blocks is 21/4 height for the forehead
Inches. As described, these foam blocks are encapsulated in a material 31 such as vinyl and are located on the top surface of the board 24. This board itself,
Enclosed in two layers of vinyl. The first separable engagement means 28 and 30 are preferably 6 inch Velcro, which allows the position of the foam block 26 on the board 24 to be selectively adjusted. As described, the topmost foam block 26 has an upper surface smaller than the upper surfaces of the other two foam blocks 26. The lower forehead pad 26, while the chest support 14 is relatively high, allows the anterior neck to flex (slightly anteriorly in the head and neck) and the intervertebral stoma (nerve exit) Can be opened somewhat, and the therapist can get closer to the neck.

The thoracic and abdominal supports 14, 16 consist of a stack of foam sheets of varying foam density as described above. The chest support 14 is preferably limited to a size of about 13 inches by 23 inches for a height of 5 inches.
The chest support 14 comprises at least three sheets, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, and the base sheet 32 has a generally rectangular shape. Formed on the base sheet 32 are two substantially similar or substantially the same shape and size foam sheets 3.
4 and 36 are arranged, each T-shaped part 3
8 is attached to the generally rectangular portion 40. The T-shaped portion 38 has two identically shaped recesses 44 for accommodating the breast as shown in FIG. 1 and also supports the sternum and collar. The rectangular portion 40 has a recess 46 for accommodating the abdomen as shown in FIG.
Having.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, an intermediate foam sheet 48 is disposed between the base sheet 32 and the two T-shaped sheet sections 34,36. The base sheet 32 preferably has two curved corners 49. Similarly, the corners of each of the rectangular portions 40 adjacent each T-shaped portion 38 are also curved. As in the case of the foam block 26,
The laminated foam sheet of the chest support 14 is also enclosed in vinyl. However, the vinyl 50 has
It doesn't get in the way of 4,46. Both foam sheets of the chest support 14 have a uniform thickness of approximately one inch. Overall, the chest support 14 is 13 inches by 23 inches in size and 5 inches in height.

Referring now to FIGS. The abdomen support 16 is formed by laminating at least five foam sheets in the form of a stack, as in the case of the chest support 14. The base sheet 52 is preferably substantially rectangular, on which the second foam sheet 54 and the third foam sheet 56 are arranged. Each of these is substantially U-shaped and is disposed on the base sheet 52 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second and third foam sheets 54, 56 are approximately the same overall size, but the width of the foam sheet 56 is smaller than the width of the foam sheet 54. Second and third foam sheets 54,
Reference numerals 56 each form a recess 57 for accommodating the abdomen between the U-shaped arms. Fourth form sheet 58
Consists of two L-shaped separate parts. These are located on the arms of the third foam sheet 56, as shown in FIG. In particular, the fourth foam sheet component 58 does not interfere with the recess 57 formed between the arms of the foam sheets 54, 56. Finally, the fifth foam sheet consists of two separate rectangular blocks 60. These are each arranged on the fourth foam sheet part 58 as shown in FIG. The five sheets forming the abdominal support of the body support device 10 are vinyl 6
2 enclosed. As in the case of the chest support 14,
The vinyl 62 does not interfere with the recess 57. The recesses consist of laminated sheets, these sheets being abdominal support 16
To form Thus, when the body is placed on the chest and abdominal supports, these recesses can accommodate each body part without being interrupted by the vinyl fills 50,62. Normally, the abdominal support 16 has a total size of 17 inches × 2
It is 3 inches and 5 inches high.

As shown in FIG. 1, the chest support 1
4 and abdominal support 16 are generally positioned such that T-shaped portion 38 of the thoracic support is adjacent to head support 12. The recess 57 of the abdomen support 16 is
4 faces the concave portion 46. As shown in FIG. 1, the head support 12 is preferably connected to the chest support 14 by a two-inch strap 64. Similarly, the chest support 14 may be a 2 inch strap 6 of appropriate length.
5 adheres to the abdominal support 16. These straps hold the parts folded together.

Referring to FIG. 8, ankle support 18
Consists of a foam block 66 whose edges are torn or inclined.
The foam block 66 is completely enclosed in the vinyl cover 68. The ankle support 18 is not connected to any other support so that it can be freely arranged as needed. Alternatively, it may also be connected by a suitably sized strap. In the preferred embodiment, foam block 66 is 11 inches by 23 inches and is 4 inches high.

The thickness, density (bond), and indentation load ("ILD") of each sheet and foam sheet of each support component of the body support device 10 are all shown below. Preferably, each of the foam sheet or foam block is made of fireproof material.

[0027]

[Table 1]

As described above, the body support device 1 of the present invention
0 can be easily placed in the bag 20 and carried to the desired location. The parts of the body support device 10 can then be removed from the bag and placed on the floor as shown in FIG. In this case, the head support 12 is positioned by the strap 64 inside the chest support 14 in front of the T-shaped portion 38. Thereafter, the abdominal support 16 may be selectively positioned at a desired distance from the chest support 14 such that the recess 57 of the abdominal support 16 faces the recess 46 of the chest support 14. As shown in FIG. 12, straps may be used to selectively maintain the mutual support of the thoracic and abdominal supports 14,16. Finally, an ankle support 18 may be placed behind the abdominal support 16 that accommodates a particular shape of the body.

Alternatively, the body support device 10 may be placed on a treatment table 23 as shown in FIGS. The treatment table includes an adjustable leg 74 and a fixed two-piece table 76. Preferably, the two members are not coplanar and the front member is inclined upwards as shown in FIGS.
In FIG. 12, the side arm supports 78, 80 are rotated in the outward direction to support the patient's arm lying face down, Good. Each part of the body support device 10 can be arbitrarily arranged using a strap so as to conform to a specific body shape of the patient. In this case, the face is supported by the head support. This support is a table 23
And is glued to it. Chest support 14
Is another embodiment of a chest support 14 ', as shown in FIGS. This is inclined towards the distal end of the couch 23 to allow the transfer of the body to a head support mounted on the distal end of the table as shown in FIG. Therefore, no head support is attached to the chest support ′, and there is no connection mechanism to the abdominal support 16, that is, no means for attaching the chest support to the abdominal support 16. The reason there is no connection mechanism is as follows.

(1) Adjustable placement (easily separated) after the patient is prone, and (2) just before turning the patient upside down on the couch, while still prone Can be easily removed from under the patient (removal from the side of the patient).

Chest support 14 'and abdominal support 16
Are located below each body part. Finally, an ankle support 18 having a ramp or skewed portion.
Is arranged to support the ankle and the lower limb portion, so that the lower limb portion can be placed on the inclined portion.
In such a configuration, the knee can be placed on the treatment table 23 or on the floor when the treatment table is not used. Alternatively, it can be placed on a treatment table or floor. Alternatively, if it is not desirable to place the knee on a couch or floor, the ankle support 18 may be positioned closer to the knee to slightly raise the knee.
When the body support device 10 is used on the floor, the side arm supports 78 and 80 are unnecessary. Alternatively, if the patient is willing to place the legs on the couch, ankle support 1
8 is not needed.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the chest support 14 'has a similar shape to the chest support 14 shown in FIGS. However, the upper foam sheet 36 'is less T-shaped than the foam sheet 34'. Further, the intermediate foam sheet 48 'is T
Below the profile 38 ', the foam sheet 34' and the foam sheet 36 'are configured to be inclined as shown in FIG.

In the configuration as shown in FIG. 12, the body support device 10 supports the pelvis to straighten the lumbar spine curve without striking the lower abdominal organs, such as the bladder or male genitalia. Further body support equipment 1
Obviously, the 0 can be easily carried in the bag 20 as well as adjustable to accommodate various heights of the human body. In addition, body support equipment 10
Flexes the anterior neck by ensuring that the thoracic and head supports are raised. This is mainly the collarbone,
This is done by supporting the thoracic support with the sternum bone structure and the ribs below the chest, while the lower part of the abdomen is recessed. In this way, the body support device 10 can quickly and easily turn a normal flat couch into an effective prone couch. Therefore, the body support device 10 can support various bodies of various sizes including a pregnant woman of last month by the stepped laminated foam. In particular, since the vinyl is recessed in conformity with the recess, it does not hinder the recess caused by the laminated structure of the chest 14 and the abdomen support 16.

Although the thoracic, abdominal and head supports are shown connected by a single velcro or strap, once the positions of the supports have been adjusted, their positions can be stabilized. Any number of straps or Velcros may be added as desired.
The head support is preferably tethered to the chest support with (non-separable) straps rather than Velcro. The strap becomes a handle on the head / chest support when folded. Above the head support board, chest support and abdomen support are small velcro tabs which, when folded, are sewn together to make these three supports a rigid and compact unit. If necessary, a towel may be inserted between the chest support and the abdomen support for further stabilization. Especially the abdominal support 16
Is positioned below the superior anterior vertebrae of the patient's iliac bone, thereby tilting the anterior pelvis and supporting the patient. This removes the curve of the lumbar or second spine, thereby removing compression on soft tissues of the lumbar region, such as discs, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. This also opens the ostium between the vertebrae and removes weight from the disc. This allows the disc to expand almost to capacity in the first 10 minutes of prone depression, thereby further relieving pressure on the vertebral nerve. This arrangement is made without hitting the patient's bladder or male genitalia, and is obtained by various stacking arrangements. This configuration not only supports but also distributes the weight, while at the same time comfortably accommodating the body in the recess.

The ankle support 18 has a generally flat, wide appearance to support the legs with a larger surface area, and thus does not strike blood vessels or nerves.
This makes it possible to support the patient relatively comfortably for a long time. A regular round support would cut off blood supply to the feet and legs or lower limbs.

The size of the portable bag 20 is 20 inches ×
Preferably, it is 22 inches, 11 inches wide, and weighs approximately 12 pounds plus the components of the body support device 10. The body support device 10 is relatively lightweight, compact, easy to carry, and can quickly and easily convert an ordinary couch into an effective prone couch.

In this prone position, two anatomical relationships are established. The anterior neck is bent due to the high chest support 14 and low head support. With the arm in the forward position, the upper trapezius gently flexes to facilitate handling of the lower scapula. The second relationship is front waist flexion. That is, the lumbar spine is straightened, as described above, by supporting the weight of the pelvis with the superior anterior iliac spines of the iliac bone without abutting the bladder or internal or external organs. The chest support 14 with the recess 44 does not abut the female breast. When a pregnant patient is prone, the uterus in the abdominal wall usually causes compression in the abdominal aorta, which is a physical support device.
Removed by 0. This helps prevent complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, and fetal distress. In addition, deep breathing can be performed relatively easily even when prone. Accordingly, the body support device 10 allows for various therapies on the back of the body, such as heat, ice, TENS, diathermy, muscle stimulating massage, chiropractic and post-surgical back surgery. In addition, the easily portable body support device 10 can be carried by an athletic team for use in sports. Furthermore, the body support device 10 can be easily carried for outpatient calls,
You can also prepare for home treatment.

In particular, by placing the elbows of a patient in a prone position prone near the midline of the body, ie by placing the arms in a forward position, the height is sufficient to account for the height of the scapula. There is a chest support 14. This allows the therapist to use both hands simultaneously. The scapula moves freely as the thumbs and fingers of both hands move. This is important in deep cross friction and trigger point therapy. Usually, the therapist raises the scapula by raising the shoulder with one hand. This is unnecessary when the body support device 10 is used. In this way, a more controlled and effective treatment can be achieved by the body support device 10, which comprises many components of the present invention and has various shapes.

The body support device 10 is designed to accommodate a prone body for an extended period of time, but is also used to support the patient's body in a supine or face-up position. be able to. Such a supine position allows access to the thoracic spine from beneath the patient. In the situation as shown in FIG. 14, the therapist's hands are free to work in the abdominal recess. In addition, a long-term care patient can use this body support device so as not to have bedsores or to ease bedsores. Because you can lie face down for a long time. Therefore, the body support device 10 can be used even in a bedridden patient for a long period of time in a convalescent retreat. In use, the nurse places the body support device 10 on the side of the patient on the bed and rolls the patient onto the body support device 10. In this way, the patient has a back, that is, a part that may become bedsore. Also, the patient may be left for a long time so that he / she can sleep with his face down.

When the body support device 10 is used to support a patient in a supine position, as shown in FIG.
With the torso raised sufficiently and the head at the top of the sternum portion of the thoracic support 14, the shoulder joint can be extended without pressing the back of the sternum against the edge of the couch. Thereby, the shoulder joint can be effectively treated, and the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor can be lengthened. In this condition, the therapist can gain access to the spine through the abdominal recess 46 by creating a free space depression to exercise the long muscles on each side of the spine without raising the hand from the couch surface. This allows the fingers, hands and wrists to exert a great deal of force without fear of damage such as common carpal bone syndrome. As shown in FIG. 14, the patient is in the supine position,
When lying down, the ankle support 18 is positioned below the knee as also shown in FIG. The depression formed in this arrangement can also be used as a space suitable for electrodes and electromuscular nerve stimulation physiotherapy. Without the use of the body support device 10, the patient can usually only face down. Otherwise, the electrodes will penetrate into the spine. Such problems are avoided by using the body support device 10 of the present invention.

Even minor modifications of the body support device 10, which comprises a number of components and conforms to the above body shape, are clearly considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, slight changes in the design, angle, material, etc. of each component of the body support device 10 are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. These modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are provided by way of example only, and the invention is limited only by the language of the following claims.

[0042]

As described above, the present invention is a body support device constituted by a plurality of parts arranged so as to match the body shape, and thus can be used during various treatments such as chiropractic and massage. Adjustable to support body parts. In addition, the body support has the advantage of supporting the pelvis so as to straighten the lumbar spine curve without hitting lower organs such as the bladder and male organs. In addition, if the lower part where the abdomen is on is concave, the chest is supported mainly by the clavicle and sternum bone structure and the ribs under the breast, so the chest is securely raised, so the anterior neck Bends. When the patient is in an upright position, that is, lying on his back, the abdominal recess or depression allows access to the spine. The indentation allows the therapist to treat the long muscles on both sides of the spine while lying down on the floor or couch. The indentations can also be used to place electrodes when stimulating electrical muscle. Also, the lower limb can be supported without hitting nerves and blood vessels behind the knee.

As described above, the body support device of the present invention can accommodate various sizes of the body including a prone pregnant woman even for a long time. This body support device
Turn an ordinary flat table into a table that effectively and patiently treats a patient relatively quickly and easily. Although this body support is intended primarily as a support in a prone position, it also serves to effectively support a body lying on its back.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body support device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exposed top view of the chest support of the body support device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the chest support shown in FIG. 1 along the line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the chest support shown in FIG. 1 along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exposed top view of the abdominal support of the body support device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the abdominal support shown in FIG. 1 along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the abdominal support shown in FIG. 1 along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ankle support shown in FIG. 1 along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 1;

9 is a cross-sectional view of the head support shown in FIG. 1, taken along line IX-IX in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a body lying on a treatment table with the head resting on the head support of the body support device of FIG. 1;

11 is a side view of the body of FIG. 10 lying with its head on the head support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a body lying face down on the body support device of FIG. 1 placed on a treatment table;

13 is a cross-sectional view of one of the legs of the couch of FIG. 12, taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the body in a supine position on the body support of FIG. 1 positioned on a couch;

FIG. 15 is an exposed top view of another embodiment of the chest support of the body support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another chest support taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another chest support taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 does not benefit from the body support device of the present invention;
Perspective view of patient on flat treatment table

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Body support tool 12 Head support 14 Chest support 16 Abdomen support 18 Ankle support 24 Board 28, 30 Velcro 31, 50, 62, 68 Vinyl 34, 36, 48, 54, 56, 58 Foam sheet 32, 52 Base sheet 22, 64 Strap 20 Bag 23 Treatment table

────────────────────────────────────────────────── (5) References JP-A-49-112478 (JP, A) US Patent 4,596,384 (US, A) US Patent 4,954,960 (US, A) US Patent 3,913,155 (US, A) US Patent 3,828,377 (US, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61G 13/12

Claims (33)

(57) [Claims] 1. A head support having a shape and a size for supporting a head, and a recess for accommodating a breast and an abdomen and a portion for supporting at least a sternum and a collar. A thoracic support having a shape and size for supporting a thoracic region composed of a plurality of sheets; and (c) a pelvic region composed of a plurality of preformed overlapping sheets so as to substantially straighten a lumbar spine curve. An abdominal support having a shape and a size for supporting an abdomen having a shape for supporting an ankle; (d) an ankle support having a shape and a size for supporting a lower limb and an ankle portion; Support for several parts of the body that are portable and can move freely independently of each other, with the ability to selectively adjust their position relative to each other . 2. The head support according to claim 1, wherein the head support comprises a substantially flat board and a plurality of foam blocks arranged annularly to support at least a forehead and a lateral face portion of the head thereon. Support tool. 3. A support according to claim 2, wherein said foam block has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. 4. A first separable engagement disposed on at least one surface of each of the foam blocks and on one surface of the board so that the position of the foam blocks on the board can be adjusted. 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising:
The support tool described. 5. The support according to claim 3, wherein each foam block is enclosed in vinyl. 6. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the chest support comprises three foam sheets overlapping each other. 7. The support according to claim 6, wherein one of the foam sheets is a substantially rectangular base sheet. 8. The remaining foam sheets are each of substantially the same shape and size and have a T-shaped portion attached to a substantially rectangular base sheet, the T-shaped portion being a recess for accommodating a breast. 8. A support according to claim 7, wherein said support base supports the sternum and collar and said rectangular base sheet has a recess for accommodating the abdomen. 9. The support device according to claim 8, further comprising an intermediate foam sheet disposed between said base sheet and said remaining foam sheets. 10. The base sheet according to claim 1, wherein the base sheet has a substantially curved shape.
The support device according to claim 9, which has two corners. 11. The support according to claim 10, wherein corners of the rectangular base sheet adjacent to the T-shaped portion are substantially curved. 12. The support device according to claim 11, wherein the foam sheet is enclosed in vinyl. 13. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the abdominal support comprises at least five foam sheets overlapping each other. 14. A support according to claim 13, wherein one of said sheets is a substantially rectangular base sheet. 15. The support according to claim 14, wherein said second foam sheet is disposed on said base sheet and has a generally U-shaped configuration. 16. The second foam sheet, wherein the third foam sheet is disposed on the second foam sheet, has substantially the same shape and size as the second foam sheet, and has a smaller width than the second foam sheet. 15. The support tool according to 15. 17. The support device according to claim 16, wherein the second foam sheet and the third foam sheet each have a recess formed between the arms of the U-shape so as to accommodate the abdomen. 18. The fourth foam sheet comprises two separate L's located on arms of the third foam sheet.
18. The support tool according to claim 17, wherein the support tool is formed in a shape of a letter. 19. The support according to claim 18, wherein said fifth foam sheet comprises two separate substantially rectangular blocks disposed on said fourth foam sheet. 20. The support device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of sheets of the abdominal support are enclosed in vinyl. 21. A support according to claim 1, wherein said ankle support comprises a substantially rectangular foam block having a substantially flat surface for supporting the lower limb and ankle. 22. The support device according to claim 21, wherein said substantially rectangular foam block has at least one bent edge to support the lower limb and ankle. 23. A support according to claim 22, wherein said substantially rectangular foam block is enclosed in vinyl. 24. The head support, wherein the relative positions of the head and chest support can be selectively adjusted.
The support device according to claim 1, wherein the T-shaped portion of the chest support is connected to the head support closest to the abdominal support by second engagement means. 25. The support device of claim 24, wherein said second separable engagement means includes at least one strap detachably coupled to said head and said chest support. 26. The thorax support is coupled to the abdomen support by third separable engagement means so that the mutual position of the head and the abdomen support can be selectively adjusted. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the recesses for the abdomen in the abdominal support face each other. 27. The support of claim 26, wherein the third separable engagement means includes at least one strap releasably coupled to the thorax and abdomen support. 28. The support according to claim 1, wherein each sheet has a predetermined uniform thickness. 29. The support device of claim 1, comprising a bag sized and shaped to receive the head, chest, abdomen and ankle support therein. 30. The support device according to claim 1, comprising a two-member treatment table wherein the two members are not coplanar. 31. The chest and abdomen support is disposed on one of the members, and the ankle support is disposed on the other member. Support tool. 32. The member according to claim 30, wherein the one member is inclinedly higher than the other member.
Of the support member. 33. The support device of claim 30 , wherein the couch includes adjustable legs.