Improvement Applied to Postural Vests

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The product referred to herein, whose protection will be claimed in this report, was developed with the aim of addressing deficiencies, mitigating difficulties, and solving problems encountered so far by users in the sector, more specifically, the physical and occupational therapy sector.

INTRODUCTION

This patent application refers to a set of garments equipped with elastics, whose function is to improve the motor condition of patients with some type of mobility impairment, whether acquired or not.

The referred product stands out, fundamentally, for its more practical, simple, and functional form in a set of garments such as shorts, knee pads, shoelaces, helmet, gloves, among others, having unique, exclusive, and innovative functional aspects, which will be described below, making it an exclusive product on the market.

Due to the need within the field of motor therapy to develop a set of clothing pieces and accessories, such as shorts, vests, etc., and other improvements, this system was developed, which promotes the improvement of mobility for people born with or who have acquired motor impairments. For its implementation, orthopedic garments were developed, made with individual parts, which are interconnected by traction elastics and equipped with rotation elastics that are fixed in specific positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The product in question, presented through this report, is composed of: Helmet (1.1): To be coupled to the upper part of the garments; composed of a mesh upper part, fastening straps on the front and bottom, adjustment straps on the back and bottom, and hooking loops for the traction elastics (1.2) located on the sides of the helmet; Traction elastic (1.2): An accessory item with various resistance categories; they can be connected to the pieces of the garment; Vest (1.3): Part of the upper garment; has a padded collar (1.12), mesh material in the central and front part, and adjustment straps on the lower and upper parts; Inner shirt (1.4): Located inside the vest (1.3); contains rotation elastics (1.10); Connector shorts (1.5): Item of the lower central part of the garment; opening in the lower part; mesh material in the central and front part; adjustment straps on the side, with hooking loops in sequence for the traction elastics (1.2); Gloves (1.6): With hooking options for the traction elastics (1.2) on the upper part; Shorts (1.7): Located inside the connector shorts (1.5); contains rotation elastics (1.10); Inner Pants (1.8): Located inside the connector shorts (1.5); contains rotation elastics (1.10); Knee Pads (1.9): Contain an arrangement of hooks in three rows; also have adjustment flaps on the back; Rotation Elastics (1.10): Located on the inner pieces-shirt (1.4), shorts (1.7), and pants (1.8); Shoelaces (1.11): Located on the lower part of the garment; has hooks for the connection of the traction elastics (1.2).

DRAWINGS

Initially, to better demonstrate these characteristics and aiming for a clear and objective understanding of the arrangements applied in this patent, drawings will be presented for illustrative purposes, making references to the attached report.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in a front view, the product worn on a mannequin, containing the helmet (1.1), traction elastic (1.2), vest (1.3), inner shirt (1.4), connector shorts (1.5), gloves (1.6), shorts (1.7), inner pants (1.8), knee pads (1.9), rotation elastics (1.10), shoelaces (1.11), and collar (1.12).

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a top view, the open product, containing the vest (1.3), connector shorts (1.5), and collar (1.12).

FIG. 3 illustrates the product containing the helmet (1.1) in a side view and the knee pads (1.9) in a top view.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in a top view, the product containing the right and left gloves (1.6).

FIG. 5 illustrates, in a front view, the product containing the inner shirt (1.4), inner pants (1.8), and rotation elastics (1.10).

It should be clarified that the images related above illustrate the product in a demonstrative and non-restrictive manner, whose design may vary in terms of its measurements, raw materials, dimensions, etc., without logically deviating from the main scope for which protection is claimed.

FUNCTIONALITY

Initially, the product referred to in this report will be used in the physical and occupational therapy sector.

The garment has elastic rubber cords as traction elastics (1.2) aligned with the body at strategic points to provide a balance of agonist, antagonist, and synergist muscles, improving posture, movement, and proprioceptive information, among other significant recoveries foreseen by therapy professionals.

The purpose of the postural vest is to provide supplementary sensory stimuli to the muscles and joints of the body, assisting in functional movement with the use of traction elastics (1.2) and rotation elastics (1.10), reflecting on the body's muscles and the extremities attached to the components of the postural vest.

It is a structured system designed to promote user growth and development, and also to reduce compromised or pathological movement patterns, increase strength, neuromotor control, muscle coordination, endurance, and functional activities.

Accompanied by repetitive exercises, daily, these movements train the nervous system in new pathways.

It is also the objective of this patent to present a model of a postural vest with low costs for its industrial feasibility, but combined with the requirements of robustness, safety, and practical utility that it offers to orthopedics, an additional option in the market of similar products that, unlike the usual models of orthopedic garments, offers numerous possibilities and benefits to its users, becoming a widely accepted model in the sector's market.

The postural garments proposed by the use of the set of orthopedic pieces consists of using the appropriate garment, characterized as a dynamic orthosis that is composed of a helmet (1.1), traction elastic (1.2), vest (1.3), inner shirt (1.4), connector shorts (1.5), gloves (1.6), shorts (1.7), inner pants (1.8), knee pads (1.9), rotation elastics (1.10), and shoelaces (1.11), adjustable to the needs of each patient/pathology, configured to facilitate functional movements and inhibit inadequate movement patterns.

The helmet (1.1) is made of waterproof material with a transparent mesh for postural correction, which connects to the vest through the traction elastic system (1.2).

The vest (1.3) is made of waterproof, breathable fabric for postural correction, which connects to the helmet (1.1) and connector shorts (1.5) through the elastic system.

The connector shorts (1.5) are made of waterproof, breathable fabric for postural correction, which connects to the knee pads (1.9) and shoelaces (1.11) through the elastic system and are made with an opening below the genital area with buttons to facilitate the patient's toileting needs.

The knee pads (1.9) are made of waterproof, breathable fabric for postural correction.

The shoelaces (1.11) are an adaptation of footwear with hooks that interconnect to the knee pads (1.9) through the elastic system.

The gloves (1.6) are made of waterproof, breathable fabric and connect to the vest (1.3) through the elastic system.

Elastic system, which can be the traction elastic (1.2) and rotation elastics (1.10): resistant rubber material, in three different colors, where each color represents a different resistance, connecting through hooks to maintain adequate postural correction according to the area being worked on and the patient's needs.

This complete orthosis fulfills the function of an external skeleton (exoskeleton), reproducing the action of the muscles, facilitating the various procedures used by the professionals assisting the patient.

The postural vest comprises a therapeutic system that integrates various clothing pieces, namely a helmet (1.1), traction elastic (1.2), vest (1.3), inner shirt (1.4), connector shorts (1.5), gloves (1.6), shorts (1.7), inner pants (1.8), knee pads (1.9), rotation elastics (1.10), and shoelaces (1.11), all made with mesh fabric material, which is more porous and breathable, onto which are sewn, with reinforced stitching, a set of traction elastics with three distinct colors, where each one indicates a specific elastic force, in order to work on biomechanical and postural alignment as close to normal as possible, producing tension for stretching and muscle facilitation.

The traction elastic (1.2) has adjustable bands, and each piece is interconnected to another, above or below, with varying elastic forces.

The orthopedic pieces can be worn independently.

The connector shorts (1.5) have openings with zippers, Velcro, buttons, or other techniques in the posterior and/or anterior region; the vest (1.3) features a more anatomical collar (1.12), and all garments are made with padding to make their long-term use more comfortable.

The procedures for using the postural vest consist of initial warm-up and stretching work, putting on the garment, where elastic cords are fixed diagonally on the patient.

The use of therapeutic orthopedic garments combined with intensive physical and occupational therapy is indicated for children with: cerebral palsy; delayed motor development; cranioencephalic trauma; stroke; ataxia; athetosis; neurological deficiencies; orthopedic deficiencies; genetic diseases; convulsive disorders; post-surgical disabilities; spinal cord injuries; vestibular disorders; Down syndrome.

Muscle training is the use of muscle contraction against resistance to build strength, endurance, and increase the size of skeletal muscles.

There are many methods of strength training, the most common being the use of gravity.

In the case of using this postural vest method, most patients meet the strength training goal with the use of repetition, weight, and the constant resistance provided by the elastic bands.

The exercises depend on the functional capacity of each individual and the goals of the individual therapy.

When properly performed, strength training can provide significant functional benefits, improved overall health and well-being, including increased bone metabolism, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

There is also improvement in joint function, reducing the potential for injury, increased bone density, and improved cardiac function.

Benefits of therapy with the postural vest: improves sensory and motor “input” from the “CNS”; normalizes muscle tone; improves biomechanical adjustment with external stabilization; improves hip alignment through vertical load on it; improves body symmetry; provides tactile stimulation; normalizes and corrects gait pattern; helps reduce contractions; improves bone density; promotes the development of fine and gross motor skills; promotes resistance for muscle strengthening; improves body awareness in relation to space; promotes muscle stability; reduces involuntary movements in ataxia and athetosis; provides vestibular “input”; assists in speech production by improving head control and trunk support.

INNOVATION

In general terms, the referred product represents a solution with respect to a set of clothing pieces equipped with traction elastics, whose function is to improve the motor condition of patients.

The set of orthopedic garments brings improvement, as it differs in relation to one-piece therapeutic jumpsuits, and with this, it is possible to develop therapeutic processes with significant improvement.

The mechanical and functional qualities were considered in the design of the clothing pieces, as well as the shape, arrangement, and location of their parts and components, which, when correctly positioned, provide an increase in the efficiency of therapeutic movements.

The therapeutic benefits provided by the postural vest are revealed in the increase of bone mineral density, muscle strength and sensitivity, balance, motor coordination, body awareness, adjustment of abnormal posture, body alignment, and biomechanical rebalancing, with the aim of providing a better quality of life, a greater variety of selective movements, and the development of functional activities.

The basic aim of the postural vest is to create a support unit to align the body as close to normal as possible, re-establishing correct postural alignment and weight-bearing, which are fundamental in the normalization of muscle tone and sensory and vestibular functions.

The elastic bands are adjustable, which means that an axial load of 15 to 40 kg can be applied to the body.

The garment is made of soft, breathable fabric, with padding to make its long-term use more comfortable.

The helmet (1.1) has a distinct design, with a mesh structure in the upper part to prevent excessive heat buildup during use and favor breathability, in addition to having options for attaching the traction elastics (1.2) on the side near the back and bottom of the piece, which provides greater comfort and safety of movement.

The vest (1.3) has a distinct collar (1.12) with a design that prevents injuries and friction with the skin, in addition to having an arrangement of elastics in the front and back, which ensures greater diversity of movements that can be performed. Additionally, the vest (1.3) has closures that can be adjusted to the user's size, both in the back and lower side, promoting a better fit of the piece.

The inner shirt (1.4), shorts (1.7), and inner pants (1.8) were designed to be worn under the vest (1.3), connector shorts (1.5), and knee pads (1.9), so that the rotation elastics (1.10) are closer to the user's body, mimicking the body's own muscles. In addition, these inner pieces prevent friction from the connector pieces, favoring increased user performance.

The gloves (1.6), knee pads (1.9), and shoelaces (1.11) were designed to connect the traction elastics to the user's extremities. Thus, the elongated gloves (1.6) can project the orthopedic action on the hands, wrist, and forearm, creating greater reach and coverage of the peripheral upper limbs. Similarly, the knee pads (1.9) and shoelaces (1.11) encompass the lower limbs.

The exoskeleton produced by the inner pieces (inner shirt (1.4), shorts (1.7), inner pants (1.8), and rotation elastics (1.10)) significantly increases the effects on the patient's ability to execute new motor plans, and combined with the repetition of exercises, has the ability to provide artificial training and reinforce correct movement patterns, causing patients to learn these new patterns and gain muscle strength at the same time.

Its neurological locomotor component associated with muscle strength training makes the postural vest ideal for the intensive treatment of many neurological disorders, especially cerebral palsy.

Composition of the product's raw material, its parts and accessories: the vest fabric is composed of 90% polyester and 10% cotton, the inner lycra garments are composed of 90% lycra (spandex) and 10% cotton, the Velcro and elastics are made of nylon and cotton, the hooks are made of plastic and metal, and the tractioners are made of silicone.

The dimensions of the vests can vary from XPP to adult size, depending on the user's weight range.

This is a unique, exclusive, and innovative product, highly reliable and recommended for use when performing strengthening exercises and developing motor skills, and will certainly be a great differentiator for the sector it is intended for.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

During the development of the referred product, numerous searches were carried out to identify the existence of any prior art or related products. However, these surveys did not reveal the existence of any other product with the same preponderant technical or functional characteristics.

The search performed found processes that superficially mention the combination, in whole or in part, of the words “ORTHOPEDIC CLOTHING,” such as BR 1020130259268and US2008051458; however, these processes describe products with different arrangements and compositions than the one claimed in this patent application.

Patent US2008051458 presents a clothing/garment structure different from the one presented in this report, with the main differences being in the structure of the pieces that make up the garment. In this case, we can mention the structure of the helmet, which appears to be made of rigid and non-breathable material; the vest does not have a collar that prevents friction of the piece with the skin of the user's torso or neck; the shorts are made in a one-piece design and make it difficult to change diapers or use the bathroom during the period of orthopedic activity; the gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads also have a different arrangement and hooks for attaching the elastic bands. When compared with the pieces presented in this patent, it is possible that a technician in the field will notice that the modifications made to the pattern of the individual pieces, as well as the use of the inner pieces and the rotation elastics, provide an intensifying effect on the correction movements and improvement of the users'motor skills.

Meanwhile, the patent presented in item 58 under number BR 1020130259268 also mentions orthopedic clothing/garment/jumpsuit, in which innovations in the pieces are presented when compared to patent US2008051458 and which was improved for the innovations present in this patent. It is worth noting that the modifications made are found in all pieces, including: the helmet has a different closure in the back, the connections for the traction elastics have also been modified; the vest has mesh for breathability and greater patient comfort, in addition to the structural modification of the arrangement of the elastics, which promote greater adherence to the body and mobility for performing mobility exercises, in addition to the modification made to the collar; the shorts also underwent structural modification, mainly in size and function-previously, the shorts were larger, with a different arrangement of hooks; in the model presented here, the connector shorts are smaller, which increases the range of motion; in addition to other structural modifications and arrangement of the elastic connections, the product presented in this report has inner garments with a specific function.

Therefore, the product presented here, through the modifications made, offers numerous possibilities and benefits to users. Additionally, it is worth emphasizing that the modification of the material, of the shape, arrangement, and location of the connections provide an inventive step to this patent application, complying with the requirements stipulated by the LPI (Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office).

Given this need and commercial opportunity, the referred product was created, more precisely a set of clothing pieces equipped with elastics, whose function is to improve the motor condition of patients.

Therefore, in accordance with Article 9 of Industrial Property Law No. 9.279/96 and all aspects presented in this report, the object of this patent application qualifies for protection as a Utility Model, which is hereby requested.