Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)

1. Title of the invention – A SPINE MOBILIZATION DEVICE

2. Applicant(s)

(a) NAME : RK UNIVERSITY
(b) NATIONALITY: INDIAN
(c) ADDRESS: RK University, Bhavnagar Highway, Kasturbadham Rajkot - 360020, Gujarat, India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

A SPINE MOBILIZATION DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spine mobilization device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spine mobilization device which is handheld device to mobilise the intervertebral (disc) joints and improve functional mobility of the spine.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The spine has a major function to provide the structural stability for the human skeletal at center in the middle and functional mobility for distal joints of upper and lower limbs at the peripheral. Beyond the stability at midline, the spine does facilitate the functional mobility at distal ends with forward and backward bending, side to side bending, trunk rotation from 3 intervertebral joints (IVJs) from each as such 23 intervertebral disc joints between the vertebral bodies. 3 to 6 degrees of freedom at intervertebral joints of the thoracolumbar region serves as a key factor for accomplishing the functional activities at distal components and vice versa. For example, stiffness or immobility at intervertebral joints at thoracolumbar region leads to over activities at cervical level, stiffness at thoracic vertebral level leads to overuse of cervical and lumbar level. Moreover, diminished mobility at one or more intervertebral (disc) joints leads to over activities at one point above and below. Spinal stiffness is one of the responsible factors behind 70-75 % low back pain. It is progressive with changing lifestyle and physical inactivity.

Physiotherapists do practice mobilising the intervertebral joints to improve the spinal mobility and function’s ability. However, the mobilization skills depend on hands on practice and especially with thumbs and palm. There are few self and therapeutic mobilization devices such as rollers, medicine balls, hand rollers etc… are well available but have limited impact on outcome measures.

Prior art document US8357108B2 discloses physical therapy tool that include a plurality of pads and actuators, where the pressure within each actuator is controlled so that a continuously varying pressure may be applied to mimic the pressure applied by human hands. These tools may also include a controller and one or more user inputs. The physical therapy tools may be operated at different operating modes for treating a subject's spine, and may be part of a system or kit. Methods of treating a subject using these physical therapy tools are also described herein.

EP0359752B1 discloses spinal therapy apparatus including at least one gripping member whose direction deviates from the transverse direction relative to the spinal column, so that the angle between said gripping member and the midline of the spinal column is less than 90°. A gripping member unit comprising most preferably two said gripping members, the angle between the ridges of said gripping members being less than 180°. There is a gap or groove between said gripping members. Said gripping member unit of the spinal therapy apparatus includes, in addition to said gripping members, also a support part, on which the user of the spinal therapy apparatus can support him/herself, and said support part being padded, most preferably comprised of two parts and in an inclined position relative to the floor level.

The said available devices having limited effect on the spine mobilization. In practice, the physiotherapist uses the thumbs to mobilize the spinal cord. For spine mobilization, the physiotherapist needs to apply the maximum pressure on the joints. This will results into the thumb joint pain after a long time. To overcome the above mentioned drawback of the available prior art, the inventors of the present invention come up with the novel and improved hand-held spine mobilizer.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

The principle object of the present invention is to overcome all the mentioned and existing drawbacks of the prior arts by providing a spine mobilization device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomically designed handheld device for physiotherapy practitioners to mobilise the intervertebral joints.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device which being capable to observe the changes in spinal flexion and extension among normal and middle-aged people.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device which being adjustable according to the age-wise people.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device which replace the thumb-based mobilisation for intervertebral joints and prevent the 1st interphalangeal (IP) joint and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint specific injuries among therapists.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device which minimise the thumb and hand related injuries like physio thumb and Carpal tunnel syndrome among physiotherapists.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device which being capable to generate significant axial and rotational force to mobilise the vertebrae for functional mobility at the spine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device which is rotating device provides the scope to compress the one above and below the contralateral transverse process (Intervertebral joints of the thoracolumbar region) for facet joint mobilisation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide mobility between the intervertebral disc joints as well as inter-facet joints and even short-term pain relief to restore pain-free, functional movements by achieving full range at the joint.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight, pocket shaped design and cost-effective spine mobilization device for physiotherapists practicing manual therapy for spinal mobilisation to improve movement from stiffness and reduce the pain with distributing the weight shift at all the intervertebral joints with dynamic stability and mobility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention is all about spine mobilization device which is handheld device to mobilise the intervertebral (disc) joints and improve functional mobility of the spine.

The main aspect of the present invention is to a provide spine mobilization device to improve a spinal joint range of motion comprising a left lobe and a right lobe having threaded cavity on the top part; said left lobe having a left hand threaded grooves and said right lobe having a right hand threaded grooves; a joining screw being provided as jointer between said left lobe and said right lobe; said screw being separated in two parts having a left hand threaded grooves on one part and a right hand threaded grooves on other part; said screw further comprising an adjustable nut; wherein, said device provides the adjustment for length between the two lobes considering varying distance between two facet joints as per the thoracic and lumbar vertebral joints; said spine mobilization device having pressure points at the bottom of the lobe through which the pressure being applied on the patient’s spine.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device to generate the pressure, said spine mobilization device being gripped from the center and the pressure being applied with the palm for spinal mobilization.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device to replace the hand thumb therapy with the device which being capable to mobilize the spine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.
FIG. 1 represent the spine mobilization device of the present invention.
FIG.2 represent the exploded view of the spine mobilization device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

The present invention overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of conventional biodegradable pots. The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Also, the following description includes various specific details and is to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that: without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and its various embodiments there may be any number of changes and modifications described herein.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems are now described.

The embodiment of the present invention is to provide a spine mobilization device.

Throughout the invention, there are use of the body parts which names are technical in nature and so for the clarity of the any third person the name of the body parts and its location and/or function has mentioned below:

The intervertebral (disc) joints are body part, lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column.

The facet joints are pairs of small joints in between the vertebrae in the back of the spine. These joints have opposing surfaces of cartilage, which limits friction between the bones.

The thoracic or thoracic spine is located in the upper and middle part of the back. Twelve vertebrae are located in the thoracic spine and are numbered T-1 to T-12.

The interphalangeal joints of the hand are the hinge joints between the phalanges of the fingers that provide flexion towards the palm of the hand. Joints of the hand.

The metacarpophalangeal joints are diarthrodial joints where the large convex heads of the distal aspect of the metacarpals articulate with the concave-shaped proximal aspect of each phalange.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, the spine mobilization device (100) to improve a spinal joint range of motion comprising a left lobe (101) and a right lobe (102) having threaded cavity on the top part; said left lobe having a left hand threaded grooves and said right lobe having a right hand threaded grooves; a joining screw (103) being provided as jointer between said left lobe (101) and said right lobe (102); said screw (103) being separated in two parts having a left hand threaded grooves (103a) on one part and a right hand threaded grooves (103b) on other part; said screw (103) further comprising an adjustable nut (103c); wherein,
said device (100) provides the adjustment for length between the two lobes (101, 102) considering varying distance between two facet joints as per the thoracic and lumbar vertebral joints; said spine mobilization device (100) having pressure points at the bottom of the lobe through which the pressure being applied on the patient’s spine.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, spine mobilization device (100) being operated through the hand pressure. Instead of using the thumbs for applying pressure on the spine, physiotherapist can use the spine mobilization device (100) for applying the pressure with the use of palm.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said left lob (101) and right lob (102) having the shape of Z. The shape of the lobs (101, 102) are replica of the human thumbs. Said left lobe (101) and said right lobe (102) having Z shape such as it deliver all the pressure at particular point of action. Said lobs (101, 102) having the cavities on the top part. The left lob (101) having left hand side threads inside the cavity and said right lob (102) having right hand side threads inside the cavity.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said joining screw (103) being capable to joint said left lob (101) and said right lob (102). The joining screw (103) being divided into the two part separated with the adjustable nut (103c). The left part of said joining screw (103) having left hand threads (103a) and right part of said joining screw (103) having right hand threads (103b).

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, the joining screw (103) rotatably connected to said left lobe (103a) and said right lobe (103b) such as the both lobes (101, 102) being capable to rotate individually.
As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said two lobes (101, 102) having adjustable distance being capable to provide downward pressure on different facet joints from thoracic to lumbar vertebra.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, length of said spine mobilization device (100) being adjustable through the adjustable nut (103c) provide on said joining screw (103). To generate the pressure, said spine mobilization device (100) being gripped from the center and the pressure being applied with the palm for spinal mobilization.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said spine mobilization device (100) to replace the thumb-based mobilisation for intervertebral joints and prevent the 1st interphalangeal (IP) joint and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint specific injuries among therapists.

Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spine mobilization device (100) is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. With reference to Fig. 1 of the present invention, the spine mobilization device (100) comprising left lob (101) and right lob (102) joined with each other rotatably through the joining screw (103). With reference to Fig. 2. the lobs (101, 102) and joining screw (103) having left hand side thread (103a) and right hand side thread (103b) accordingly. The joining screw (103) further comprising the adjustable nut (103c) for adjusting the length of said spine mobilization device (100).

Reference will now be made in further detail to preferred embodiment of the present invention, represented in the forms of the examples.

For the purpose of the study, following criteria are taking into the consideration.

Study Population: Normal individuals without spinal pain and discomfort
Study Duration: 25 minutes of a session
Study Design: An Experimental Study
Sample Size: 30
Sampling Method: Simple random sampling
Source of Data Collection: School of Physiotherapy, RK University.

Testing of innovative spinal mobiliser on normal healthy individuals for observing any change in the spinal mobility especially intervertebral (IV) - thoracolumbar joints. 30 subjects selected with age between 18 to 45 years screened with 36 SF health questionnaires to prove healthy individuals as well as without present and past 6 months history of pain and discomfort at the spine. Even individuals with a history of hospitalisation in the last six months were excluded. The written ethical informed consent taken prior to checking the pre assessment. Spinal mobility was measured from the distance taken from T1 to L5 in neutral standing position to flexion, and extension with measuring tape.

Intervertebral (disc) joints were mobilised at Grade I - A small-amplitude movement with the device in a prone lying position for a session of 10 minutes in one sitting. The session was compiled with the starting of intervertebral joints mobilisation from lumbar (L5) to thoracic (T1) to Lumbar (L5). Each intervertebral joint was mobilised with 10 repetition of axial downward compression - A small amplitude movement. Moreover, mobilisation with rotation facet joints by compressing force to one above and below contralateral transverse process.

CRITERIA FOR DATA COLLECTION

Inclusive criteria
People having
? Stiffness
? Reduced range of motion of spine

Exclusive criteria
? Recent surgery of spine or any injury in recent times.

RESULT
Testing of the device.
Pre to Post changes in flexion (0.86 cm), and extension (0.7667 cm) of spine suggested increase in spinal movement at intervertebral joints of the thoracolumbar region at level of significant 0.05 and confidence interval 95%.
Statistical analysis of changes in spinal flexion before and after spinal mobilization.
Table-1 Paired Samples Statistics
Pair 1 Mean
in cm N St. Deviation St. Error
Mean
Pre-Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and Flexion position

Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and Flexion position 8.273

9.133 30

30 2.3171

2.0254 .4230

.3698

Interpretation - The following table shows significant increase (0.86 cm) in the mean between Pre spinal mobilization difference between neutral and flexion position (8.273 cm) and post spinal mobilization difference between neutral and flexion (9.133 cm)
Table-2 Paired Samples Test

Pair 1 Paired difference Sig.

Mean
Std.
Deviation

Pre-Spinal Mobilization difference between neutral and Flexion with Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and flexion

-.8600

.7486

.000

Interpretation: the table 3 is suggesting pre and post changes spinal range of motion is highly significance
Table-3 Paired Samples Correlations
Pair 1 N Correlation Sig.
Pre-Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and Flexion position with Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and Flexion position

30

.949

.000

Interpretation - The following table shows significantly high correlation (0.949) between Pre-Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and Flexion with Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and flexion. Moreover, the changes or increase are consistent and in all the subjects which suggests the efficiency of mobilisation.
Statistical Analysis of changes in spinal extension before and after spinal mobilization.
Table-4 Paired Samples Statistics
Pair 1 Mean N Std. Deviation Std. Error
Mean
Pre-Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and Extension position

Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and Extension position 5.250

6.017 30

30 2.1325

2.1912 .3893

.4001

Interpretation – The following table shows significant increase (0.77 cm) in the mean between Pre spinal mobilization difference between neutral and extension position (5.250 cm) and post spinal mobilization difference between neutral and extension (6.017 cm)
Table-5 Paired Samples Test

Pair 1 Paired difference
Sig.

Mean Std.
Deviation

Pre-Spinal Mobilization Life Difference between neutral and extension with Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and extension. -.7667 1.0317 .000

Interpretation: The table 6 is suggesting pre and post changes spinal range of motion is highly significant.
Table-6 Paired Samples Correlations
Pair 1 N Correlation Sig.
Pre-Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and
extension with Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and
extension

30

.886

.000

Interpretation - The following table shows significantly high correlation (0.886) between Pre-Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and extension with Post Spinal Mobilization Difference between neutral and extension. Moreover, the changes or increase are consistent and in all the subjects which suggests the efficiency of mobilisation.

CONCLUSION
In context to result and discussion, said spine mobilization device (100) is well efficient to mobilise the intervertebral joints of the thoracolumbar region and minimise or replace usage of the thumb and hand to prevent mobilisation induced injuries. Moreover, the device (100) is well able to improve mobility with increasing spinal joint range of motion for flexion as well as extension in normal individuals.
ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
? The spine mobilization device minimise the thumb and hand related injuries like physiothumb and Carpal tunnel syndrome among physiotherapists.
? The spine mobilization device generating significant axial and rotational force to mobilise the vertebrae for functional mobility at the spine.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Spine mobilization device (100)
Left lobe (101)
Right lobe (102)
Joining screw (103)
Left hand threaded grooves (103a)
Right hand threaded grooves (103b)
Adjustable nut (103c)
, Claims:CLAIMS:
We claim:

1. A spine mobilization device (100) to improve a spinal joint range of motion comprising a left lobe (101) and a right lobe (102) having threaded cavity on the top part; said left lobe having a left hand threaded grooves and said right lobe having a right hand threaded grooves; a joining screw (103) being provided as jointer between said left lobe (101) and said right lobe (102); said screw (103) being separated in two parts having a left hand threaded grooves (103a) on one part and a right hand threaded grooves (103b) on other part; said screw (103) further comprising an adjustable nut (103c); wherein,
said device (100) provides the adjustment for length between the two lobes (101, 102) considering varying distance between two facet joints as per the thoracic and lumbar vertebral joints; said spine mobilization device (100) having pressure points at the bottom of the lobe through which the pressure being applied on the patient’s spine.

2. The spine mobilization device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spine mobilization device (100) being operated through the hand pressure.

3. The spine mobilization device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left lobe (101) and said right lobe (102) having Z shape such as deliver all the pressure at particular point of action.

4. The spine mobilization device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said joining screw (103) rotatably connected to said left lobe (103a) and said right lobe (103b) such as the both lobes (101, 102) being capable to rotate individually.

5. The spine mobilization device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two lobes (101, 102) having adjustable distance being capable to provide downward pressure on different facet joints from thoracic to lumbar vertebra.

6. The spine mobilization device as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of said spine mobilization device (100) being adjustable through the adjustable nut (103c) provide on said joining screw (103).

7. The spine mobilization device as claimed in claim 1, wherein to generate the pressure, said spine mobilization device (100) being gripped from the center and the pressure being applied with the palm for spinal mobilization.

Dated this 18 Oct 2022