Pliant Back Support Apparatus With Foot Engagements

This substitute specification incorporates the originally filed specification and the originally filed claims by this reference, as if fully set forth herein.

This invention relates to relief and prevention of back strain or injury in the human body, and more specifically to an apparatus which harnesses the torso and extends to the feet to effect such relief and prevention.

There are numerous devices available for back support. Many such devices may be classified as simple back braces, as they brace the back by partially immobilizing it with a network of straps and rigid elements. Since the user often needs flexibility of movement, such restrictive braces are not very useful.

Other devices, which are more complex than back braces, have metal springs or tubes to assist the user in returning to an upright position after bending over. These "stoop-labor" type devices are likewise inadequate since they are uncomfortable, cumbersome, and not suitable for extended use. Furthermore, they cannot be easily worn under clothing to minimize embarrassment.

A recent example of a stoop-labor type device is an invention shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,648 issued to Webb on Jan. 20, 1998. It utilizes a vest having fiberglass rods located on the user's back to relieve strain from bending over. It falls short of being practical since it is bulky and does not allow the user to sit comfortably while wearing it.

Another recent example of a stoop-labor type device, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,944 issued to Hoffman on Jan. 19, 1999, employs metal springs to assist the user in restraightening. As in the above case, the Hoffman device is awkward, cannot be worn under clothing to minimize embarrassment, and cannot be used effectively in a sitting position.

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my back support apparatus are:

(a) to afford bracing for the user while standing;

(b) to deliver increased support to the user when bending over;

(c) to support the back while the user sits;

(d) to maintain body flexibility of the user;

(e) to provide comfort during extended use;

(f) to be adaptable to each user's size and strength needs;

(g) still further objects and advantages of my apparatus are that it is washable, is easy and inexpensive to make, is compact for shipping and storing, and it is able to be worn either partially or completely concealed under clothing to minimize embarrassment.

In sum, my back support apparatus is effective and highly practical. It provides the user with both a flexible back brace and with a responsive back support system which increases its supporting action as the user bends over. It delivers a high degree of injury prevention, as well as a healing action for preexisting back injuries.

Further objects and advantages of my back support apparatus will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and of the ensuing description .

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of my back support apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of my back support apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of my back support apparatus with loops for engaging the user's feet.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are rear perspective views of the devices and methods for engaging the user's feet.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a worker wearing my back support apparatus.

My pliant back support apparatus comprises a network of fabric straps that encircle the torso of a person, springably extends behind the buttocks and legs to the feet, and engages the feet, to reduce or eliminate backache.

The main embodiment of my back support apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Back support apparatus 10 basically consists of a torso harness 12 (FIG. 1) as its upper half, leg strap assemblies 16A and 16B as its lower half, and interconnecting positioning elements 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D (see FIG. 2) at mid position over the buttocks of the user U (see FIG. 5) to connect leg strap assemblies 16A and 16B.

FIG. 1 shows that harness 12 includes two shoulder straps 22A and 22B, a front strap 24, a lumbar-supporting cincture 14, and two waistband clips 32A and 32B. Shoulder straps 22A and 22B are crossed and connected to each other on the middle of the user's back (see FIG. 2) and individually connected to cincture 14 at their front or leading end portion 22A.sub.L and 22B.sub.L and at the back or trailing end portion 22A.sub.T and 22B.sub.T ends. Cincture 14 preferably includes four contiguous, parallel abdominal straps 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D of about equal length. The ends 28AE.sub.1, 28AE.sub.2, 28BE.sub.1, 28BE.sub.2, 28CE.sub.1, 28CE.sub.2, 28DE.sub.1 and 28DE.sub.2 of each abdominal strap 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D (see FIG. 1) have an overlapping area AC in front portion 29 of the cincture 14 which is positioned at the front of the user and joined with an adjustable closure such as a hook-and-loop fasteners 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D, respectively. In other embodiments, cincture 14 could contain either less or more abdominal straps 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D, etc., depending on the size of the user U. A shorter than average person as user U may require three or less straps for best support, while a taller than average person as user U may need five abdominal straps. A single, wide belt of 5 cm (2 in) or more may also be employed in place of cincture 14. Shoulder straps 22A and 22B are coupled across the user's chest with front strap 24, which also employs a hook-and-loop fastener 26. In other embodiments, the front strap 24 may be omitted. Waistband clips 32A and 32B (see FIG. 1) complete harness 12 with their attachment to the leading ends of shoulder straps 22A and 22B immediately below cincture 14. Other embodiments may exclude waistband clips 32A and 32B.

In addition to the torso harness 12 discussed above, FIG. 2 shows that the back support apparatus 10 also includes two leg strap assemblies 16A and 16B. The leg strap assemblies 16A and 16B extend from the user's rear waistband, i.e, cincture 14, down to the user's ankles. Each leg strap assembly 16A or 16B includes a thigh strap 34A or 34B, respectively, a resilient member 20A or 20B, respectively, an ankle strap 40A or 40B, respectively, a sliding adjuster 42A or 42B, respectively, and a shoe clip 44A or 44B, respectively. Thigh straps 34A and 34B are each individually connected, preferably threadingly by sewing, with a predetermined spacing at their upper ends 34A.sub.U and 34B.sub.U to the rear portion 45 of cincture 14, by overlap of the thigh straps 34A and 34B with abdominal straps 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D that comprise cincture 14. The lower ends 34A.sub.L and 34B.sub.L of thigh straps 34A and 34B connect to elastic members 20A or 20B which are positioned approximately behind the user's knees K (see FIG. 5) in this main embodiment. Each member 20A and 20B has four elastic straps, 38A, 38B, 38C, and 38D in the case of member 20A, and 38 A', 38B', 38C', and 38D' in the case of member 20B, in a layered configuration. Members 20A and 20B are connected at their upper end portion 20A.sub.U and 20B.sub.U to thigh straps 34A and 34B, respectively. Resilient members 20A and 20B are connected at their lower end portion 20A.sub.L and 20B.sub.L to to ankle straps 40A and 40B, respectively. Shoe clips 44A and 44B are attached to the terminal ends of ankle straps 40A and 40B, which employ sliding adjusters 42A and 42B approximately at their mid points. Shoe clips 44A and 44B are replaced with shoe loops 46A and 46B (see FIG. 3, or FIG. 4B) or foot loops 52A AND 52B (see FIG. 4C) in other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 2, positioning elements 18 complete the main embodiment of apparatus 10. Each of the four positioning elements 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D connect orthogonally at opposite ends to thigh straps 34A and 34B, with a predetermined spacing width across the user U's buttocks, as earlier noted. Positioning elements 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D could be replaced by a single pad or omitted, in other embodiments.

The basic construction details of the preferred and other embodiments of my device preferably include the following: All strap-on-strap connections are made by sewing, i.e, the connections are made using needle and thread, to provide a threadingly prepared connection, with the exception of hook-and-loop connections as discussed. The dominant strap material is preferably non-elastic cotton webbing. However, other strap materials such as nylon webbing could be substituted. Two strap sizes are preferably employed; (1) narrow webbing of about 2.5 cm (about 1 in) in width, and (2) wide webbing of about 5 cm (about 2 in) in width. Narrow webbing is used for front strap 24, and abdominal straps 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D. Shoulder straps 22A and 22B, thigh straps 34A and 34B, elements 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D, and ankle straps 40A and 40B utilize wide webbing. Other strap sizes could be used such as narrower straps on back supports built for women or children. The all-important resilient members 20A and 20B are further defined as follows: Each member 20A and 20B, has a plurality of, and preferably four elastic straps 38A through 38D, and 38A' through 38D', respectively. Each elastic strap has a width of about 5 cm (2 in.) and a length of about 30 cm (12 in.), and is made of ribbed, elastic waistband, manufactured by Rhode Island Textile Company of Pawtucket, R.I. The specific number of elastic straps (four) used in each member 20A and 20B as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, in the preferred embodiment will not be appropriate for every user. For each member 20A and 20B, four elastic straps is a nominal number for an adult male of average height of 1.78 m (5 ft, 10 in.) and weight of 79.4 kg (175 lbs.). Larger individuals may require a greater number of elastic straps 38A through 38D and 38A' through 38D', while smaller persons may need less straps. In addition to size, the work demands of the individual user U is another factor to consider when matching the characteristics of members 20A and 20B to the needs of the user U. A person involved in frequent, heavy lifting, or difficult, manual labor may require stronger resilient members 20A and 20B, and they therefore need to have a greater number of elastic straps than 38A through 38D and 38A' through 38D' included in their back support apparatus, i.e, a greater than the average number (four) of elastic straps behind each leg L of the user U. Waistband clips 32A and 32B and shoe clips 44A and 44B are preferably identical but are named differently simply to facilitate this discussion. Shoe clips 44A and 44B are attached at their upper end portion 44A.sub.U and 44B.sub.U to the lower end portion 16A.sub.L and 16B.sub.L of leg strap assemblies 16A and 16B. They are preferably industrial clips manufactured by the Albest Metal Stamping Company of Brooklyn, N.Y.

The operation of my back support apparatus 10 to protect the human back and to reduce back pain is many faceted. Experience has indicated that several beneficial mechanisms are operating simultaneously.

When the user U is not bent over (see FIG. 5), firmly-adjusted, lumbar-supporting cincture 14 gives the user back support by its reassuring compression of the abdominal region. Flexibility is maintained by a multi-strap design of lumbar-supporting cincture 14. The multi-strap design allows greater freedom of movement for the user than a single, wide belt would permit. Waistband clips 32A and 32B attach in front to the user's waistband W (see FIG. 5) to prevent unwanted upward shifting of cincture 14 during use.

When the user U bends over, more and greater forces are generated in apparatus 10 than in a standing-straight position. These forces derive from the angled lower back and are generated primarily in resilient members 20A and 20B, which become stretched as the user U bends over. They, in turn, exert a downward pull on the rear of torso harness 12 via thigh straps 34A and 34B, and thereby tend to lift the torso of the user U in front to assist in the user's restraightening.

Additionally, when the user U bends over, these newly generated forces give the user back support by another mechanism. This second mechanism involves a tightening effect on cincture 14. As the user bends over, the above mentioned forces in members 20A and 20B pull downward on the rear side of the cincture 14 and give rise to a tightening effect in the cincture 14 in its front and side areas (with respect to the user U) . This tightening effect pushes backward against the forward bend of the lumbar spine, supporting it, and in general, supporting the lower back of user U at its weakest point.

Although not vital to the operation of apparatus 10, positioning elements 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D help to insure that maximum tension is accumulated in resilient members 20A and 20B as the user bends over asymmetrically. Elements 18A through 18D, etc. hold thigh straps 34A and 34B (see FIG. 2) in a parallel relationship near the high region of the buttocks and cause maximum tension to be accumulated in members 20A and 20B. Maximum tension is desirable because it is this same tension which helps the user to return to an upright position. Maximum back support therefore results.

The initial tension of leg strap assemblies 16A and 16B is set by sliding adjusters 42A and 42B, which serve to adjust the lengths of ankle straps 40A and 40B. Adjusters 42A and 42B should be set so that the user U senses an unobjectionable, slight tug when walking but not set so tight that tension is felt while standing still.

An alternative embodiment of my back support apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 3. The foot engaging means or foot attachment device in this case are loops 46A and 46B. They differentiate this embodiment from the main embodiment shown in FIG. 1 (which uses shoe clips 44A and 44B as the preferred method of engaging the user's feet). FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate in more detail the method of attaching fabric loops to engage the shoes S (FIG. 4B, shoe loops 46) and to engage the feet (FIG. 4C, foot loops 52) of the user. All hook-and-loop fasteners 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D in FIG. 3 are shown in an opened configuration for further clarification.

The various means for engaging and attaching the leg strap assemblies 16A and 16B to the user's feet are shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. FIG. 4A shows the preferred manner in which shoe clips 44A and 44B are attached to the user's shoes. FIG. 4B shows the preferred manner in which shoe loops 46A and 46B are attached to the user's shoe S by wrapping once around the middle of the shoe or "vamp" V with the "D" ring, namely 48A or 48B, positioned to the rear of the shoe S. Alternatively, FIG. 4C shows the manner in which foot loops 52A and 52B can be used inside the user's shoe by encircling the instep of the foot, with the "D" ring 54A or 54B again positioned in back.

A worker is shown wearing the main embodiment of my back support apparatus 10 in FIG. 5. The lower half of the apparatus 10 is worn under the work pants P and is thus shown in broken lines in this FIG. 5, and is attached to the shoes S by shoe clips 44A and 44B. The shoe clip 44A and 44B attachments are shown more clearly in FIG. 4A. Waistband clips 32A and 32B are presumably in use on the worker's front waistband but are not visible in this rear perspective view in FIG. 5.

Accordingly, my back support apparatus is highly compatible with the human form. It is easily put on or taken off. It is soft, lightweight, flexible, and hand washable. The cotton fabric and open-space design assist in cooling the worker. My apparatus can be worn for long periods of time without undue discomfort and can be used in virtually all work positions including standing, sitting, or kneeling. The user can wear it entirely concealed under ordinary clothing to eliminate embarrassment in public. My apparatus is easy to build from inexpensive materials and easy to repair. People of all sizes can be appropriately fitted by simply altering the sizes and/or numbers of straps used in assembly. The weight and work requirements of each user can be accommodated by selecting the appropriate number of elastic straps in resilient members 20A and 20B. My apparatus will enable a person with a weak or damaged back to confidently return to work and other normal activities.

It is an important benefit of my back support apparatus 10 that it responds positively to the work demands of the user. As the user increasingly bends over, it responds with greater support through increased loading of resilient members 20A and 20B. Additionally, the more weight the worker lifts, the more the stomach muscles expand against firm lumbar-supporting cincture 14, which in turn gives increased bracing and support. The user at rest has only a minimal awareness of apparatus 10. It will fulfill an immense need for an effective, user-friendly back support apparatus.

Although my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of my back support apparatus, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible as follows: The number of straps in lumbar-supporting cincture 14 could be reduced from four abdominal straps 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D, shown in FIG. 1, to perhaps three straps for a user who is shorter than an average adult or increased to five straps for a taller than average user. Minimally, a single, wide belt may be used in place of multi-strap cincture 14, and it could be made of elastic material rather than the preferred non-elastic cotton webbing. Hook-and-loop fasteners are not an absolute requirement to secure the straps. Buckles, snaps, or other connectors may suffice. Waistband clips 32A and 32B could be replaced with other attaching devices or done away with altogether, however, to the detriment of apparatus 10 since clips 32A and 32B prevent unwanted upward movement of lumbar-supporting cincture 14. The combination of shoulder straps 22 and front strap 24 could conceivably be replaced by a vest of some sort. Additionally, metal springs could replace resilient members 20A and 20B, or roll-up springs could be attached to the user's shoes. Shoe clips 44A and 44B could be replaced by shoe loops or foot loops as indicated in the preceding discussion. Positioning elements 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D may be changed in number and/or size including replacement by a single piece of fabric. The basic material of construction, cotton webbing, could easily be substituted with nylon webbing or other appropriate material. Dimensions may reasonably be altered without changing the basic operation or concept of the apparatus.

My back support apparatus will provide a wide range of individuals with an economical means of reducing back pain from past injuries and of preventing future injuries. Those persons performing strenuous labor, as well those involved in more sedentary occupations, will benefit greatly. Retirees who have chronic back problems will discover than my apparatus can help them live more comfortably and more productively. In addition, with minimal changes, my apparatus may help pregnant women cope with the extra weight associated with pregnancy.

Thus, the scope of my back support apparatus should not be determined by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.