BACK SUPPORT DEVICE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a folding chair, and in particular, a folding chair that anchors to an angled surface while providing a horizontal seat position for the user.

This disclosure relates to a back support device, and more particularly, to a device that is capable of supporting the thoracic, lumbar, and cervical regions of the spine.

Back pain and discomfort due to extended periods of time sitting is a common problem. One reason for the onset of back pain is due to the design of chairs or seats. Most chairs are not properly designed to support a person's back over an extended period of time. Even chairs that are designed to support a person's back are only able to support a particular area of the back. For example, a chair or seat may have a built-in a lumbar support, but there may not be any support for the thoracic or cervical regions. In order to alleviate or prevent back pain, a back support, a pillow, or a towel typically may be used while a user is sitting in a chair or a seat. However, such devices have not proven to be useful or acceptable in alleviations or preventions of pain. In particular, such back supports do not adequately support all regions of the back.

When pillows or towels are employed, care must be taken to properly position the pillows or towels. Also, once a person moves, the pillows or towels must be repositioned because the pillows or towels tend to move. Further, such devices tend to aggravate another portion of the back when attempting to alleviate pain in a specific portion of the back. Additionally, such back support devices are difficult to use on different shaped seats, chairs, couches, or beds.

Back pain may also result from an injury such as whiplash. In this particular injury, it is important to be able to relax the spinal muscles so that the vertebral motion can stabilize when a person is sitting to alleviate pain and to help the back heal faster by being more relaxed between office treatments. As can be appreciated, there remains a need for a back support device that provides support for the back, the thoracic and cervical regions of the spine for every age group, body build and fitness level. This need further requires a device that will normalize the posture curves with each use.

Accordingly, it is desirable and advantageous to provide a back support device that is easy to position and use. The present disclosure is designed to overcome the shortcomings and disadvantages associated with prior back supports by providing a back support device that is capable of supporting the thoracic, lumbar, and cervical regions of the spine. In particular, the present disclosure may be easily utilized to support the back and may be used on different chairs, seats, couches, or beds. This improves the posture curves and slows degradation of spinal stress which results in osteoarthritis degeneration.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one form of the present disclosure, a back support device comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting the lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting the thoracic region of a body, and a connecting member for connecting the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine simultaneously into the posture “T” core position simultaneously, with a cervical portion having a surface to support the cervical spine and the connecting member into the hollow space of the thoracic portion to simultaneously sort the body in a reclined position

In another form of the present disclosure, a back support device comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting the lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting the thoracic region of a body, a connecting member for connecting the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine when the connecting member inserts into the thoracic portion. The connecting member is adjustable with respect to at least the thoracic portion to accommodate all body sizes and to accommodate custom sizing.

In yet another form of the present disclosure, a back support device comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting the lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting the thoracic region of the body and a hollow opening, wherein a connecting member inserts within the hollow member of the thoracic portion for connecting the lumbar portion (core posture “T” position) and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine. The back support device further comprises a cervical insert having a cervical portion for supporting the cervical region of the body portion.

In light of the foregoing, it will be recognized that of the present disclosure provides a back support device that is capable of supporting the thoracic, lumbar, and cervical regions of the spine of the back. The back support device may be used in a seated position or a reclining position. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a back support device that positions a user in a proper sitting posture, using a posture “T” core position. Another application is using the device for reclined positions such as for support in couch and bed uses.

The back support device comprises a simple construction and design and that can be easily employed with highly reliable results, regardless of chair back design and body shape/size of the user. Furthermore, the back support device is adjustable in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical regions relating to small sized individuals to larger individuals.

In one form, the back support device may be constructed from lightweight and inexpensive materials.

These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a back support device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the back support device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a back support device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the back support device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the back support device with the cervical insert removed;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the back support device with the cervical insert removed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adjustment member for the lumbar portion of the back support device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the back support device with the adjustment member for the lumbar portion being attached;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an adjustment member for the thoracic portion of the back support device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the back support device shown in FIG. 6 with the adjustment member for the thoracic portion being attached;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adjustment member for the cervical insert of the back support device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the back support device shown in FIG. 3 with the adjustment member for the cervical insert being attached;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device shown in FIG. 3 on a person sitting in a chair;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device on a person sitting upright in a chair wherein support to the mid back is maintained in any chair position; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device on a person reclining in a chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies an embodiment of a back support device constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the back support device 10 is shown comprising a lumbar portion 12 having a connecting member or rod 14 connected to a thoracic portion 16. The lumbar portion 12 is generally circular in shape and has a surface 18 that is adapted to support a lumbar region of a back of a user. The lumbar portion 12 may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape whenever pressure is exerted against it. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The cushion material is relatively lightweight which allows the device 10 to be easily positioned or moved. The lumbar portion 12 may also have a covering over the cushion material. Some examples of a covering are fabric, vinyl, or leather. The thoracic portion 16 is also generally circular in shape and has a surface 20 that is adapted to support a thoracic portion of a back of a user. The thoracic portion 16 may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape under the weight of a user. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The thoracic portion 16 may also have a covering over the cushion material. The rod 14 may be composed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. The rod 14 aligns the lumbar portion 12 with the thoracic portion 16.

The lumbar portion 12 has a diameter 22 and the thoracic portion 16 has a diameter 24. The diameter 22 is larger than the diameter 24. The diameter 24 of the thoracic portion 16 is chosen for the surface 20 to contact a spine in the thoracic region of the back. The diameter 22 is large enough to support the lumbar portion of the back.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, another preferred embodiment of a back support device 50 is shown. The back support device 50 comprises a lumbar portion 52 having a connecting member or rod 54 connected to a thoracic portion 56. The device 50 also has an adjustable cervical insert 58 that is adapted to be mounted in the thoracic portion 56. The cervical insert 58 comprises a cervical portion 60 and a connecting member or rod 62. The connecting member 62 may be composed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. The connecting member 62 is used to align the cervical portion 60 with the thoracic portion 56. The connecting member 62 is capable of removeably fitting into the thoracic portion 56, as will be described more fully herein. As such, the thoracic portion 56 includes a core. In one embodiment, the cervical portion may also include a core. The cervical portion 60 is generally circular in shape and has a surface 64 that is adapted to support a neck or cervical region of a person or user of the device 50. The cervical portion 60 may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape when the neck of a user is pressed against the cervical portion 60. Further, the cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material that is also lightweight. The cervical portion 60 may also have a covering over the cushion material.

The lumbar portion 52 is generally circular in shape and has a surface 66 that is adapted to support a lumbar region of a back of a user. The lumbar portion 52 may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape whenever pressure is exerted against it. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The cushion material is relatively lightweight which allows the device 50 to be easily positioned or moved. The lumbar portion 52 may also have a covering over the cushion material. Again, some examples of a covering are fabric, vinyl, or leather. The thoracic portion 56 is also generally circular in shape and has a surface 68 that is adapted to support a thoracic portion of a back of a user. The thoracic portion 56 may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape under the weight of a user. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The thoracic portion 56 may also have a covering over the cushion material.

FIG. 5 depicts the cervical insert 58 being removed from the thoracic portion 56 of the back support device 50. The thoracic portion 56 has a hollow opening or tube portion 70 that is sized and shaped to receive the connecting member 62 of the insert 58. Although not shown, it is contemplated and possible for the connecting member 62 and the tube 70 to have a locking or adjusting mechanism for adjusting the height of the cervical portion 60 relative to the thoracic portion 56. In this manner, the cervical portion 60 may be adjusted to any desired height. With particular reference now to FIG. 6, a top view of the device 50 with the insert 58 being removed is shown. The hollow portion 70 has an opening 72 at a top 74 of the thoracic portion 56. The opening 72 is large enough to accept the connecting member 62 of the insert 58.

With particular reference now to FIG. 7, an adjustment or attachment device 100 is illustrated that is used to increase the thickness of the lumbar portions 12 or 52 of the devices 10 or 50, respectively. The attachment 100 comprises a generally rectangular shape having a pair of semi-circular shaped cutouts 102 and 104. The cutouts 102 and 104 are used to fit around the connecting members 14 or 54. The attachment 100 has an upper edge 106 and a lower edge 108. Although not shown, the edges 106 and 108 may have a zipper, hook and loop attaching means, snaps, or other attaching means for holding or securing the attachment 100 around the lumbar portions 12 and 52. The attachment 100 may be constructed from material that is similar to the material that the lumbar portions 12 and 52 are constructed. Additionally, the attachment 100 may have a fabric cover. FIG. 8 shows the attachment 100 being connected around the lumbar portion 12 of the device 10. The attachment 100 has a thickness 110 that is used to increase the diameter 22 of the lumbar portion 12. It is also possible and contemplated that additional attachment devices that are longer than the attachment device 100 may be used to make the lumbar portions 12 and 52 thicker or to any desired thickness.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict an adjustment or attachment device 150 that is suitable for use on the thoracic portions 16 and 56 of the devices 10 and 50, respectively. The attachment 100 comprises a generally rectangular shape having a left side edge 152 and a right side edge 154. The attachment 150 also has a strip of hook and loop fastening means 156 on a front side 158 and another strip of hook and loop fastening means 160 on a backside 162. As can be appreciated, the attachment 150 may be held together by other attachment devices such as a zipper, hooks, snaps, or other suitable attaching means for holding or securing the attachment 150 around the thoracic portions 16 and 56. The attachment 150 may be constructed from material that is similar to the material that the thoracic portions 16 and 56 are constructed. Additionally, the attachment 150 may have a fabric cover. FIG. 10 shows the attachment 150 being connected around the thoracic portion 16 of the device 50. The attachment 150 has a thickness 164 that is used to increase the thickness of the thoracic portion 16. It is also possible and contemplated that additional attachment devices that are wider than the attachment device 150 may be used to make the thoracic portions 16 and 56 thicker. In this manner, any required thickness may be achieved.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, an adjustment or attachment device 200 that is used to increase the thickness of the cervical insert 58 of the device 50 is shown. The attachment device 200 comprises a generally rectangular shape having a pair of semi-circular shaped cutouts 202 and 204. The cutouts 202 and 204 are employed to fit around the connecting member 62 of the cervical insert 58. The attachment device 200 has a left side edge 206 and a right side edge 208 with the cutout 202 being on the left side edge 206 and the cutout 204 being on the right side edge 208. The attachment device 200 also has a front side 210 and a backside 212. The right side edge 208 has a strip of hook and loop fastening means 214 attached to the front side 210. Although not shown, the backside 212 has a strip of hook and loop fastening means for securing the edges 206 and 208 together. As has been indicated previously, the attachment device 200 may have other devices for securing the edges 206 and 208 together for example a zipper, hooks, or snaps may be used for holding or securing the attachment 200 around the cervical portion 60 of the insert 58. The attachment 200 may be constructed from material that is similar to the material that the cervical portion 60 is constructed. Additionally, the attachment 200 may have a fabric cover. FIG. 12 shows the attachment 200 being connected around the cervical portion 60 of the device 50. The attachment 200 has a thickness 216 that is used to increase the thickness of the cervical portion 60. It is also possible and contemplated that additional attachment devices that are longer than the attachment device 200 may be used to make the cervical portion 60 thicker.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device 50 on a person 250 sitting in a chair 252. The lumbar portion 52 is positioned against a lumbar region 254 of the person 250. The thoracic portion 56 is positioned against a thoracic region 256 of the person 250. Also, the adjustable cervical insert 58 has the cervical portion 60 pressed against a neck region 258 of the person 250.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating use of the back support 12 on a person 260 sitting in a chair 262. The lumbar portion 18 is positioned against a lumbar region 264 of the person 260. The thoracic portion 20 is positioned against a thoracic region 266 of the person 260. As shown, the support of the mid back will be maintained in any chair position. Further, the gravity line through the earlobe and the pelvis is maintained while the person 260 maintains and supports a posture “T” core position.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating use of the back support 50 on a person 268 sitting in a chair 270 in a reclining position. The lumbar portion 52 is positioned against a lumbar region 272 of the person. The thoracic portion 56 is positioned against a thoracic region 274 of the person. Also, the cervical insert 58 has the cervical portion 60 pressed against a neck region 276 of the person. As shown, the cervical insert 58 directly supports the cervical spine without a pillow support.

The support device of the present disclosure will result in immediate change to the structure of the spine, and during repetitive usage and with continuing exercise of breathing will create muscle tone for improvement of postural curves between treatment applications. This usage results in immediate response to carpal tunnel syndrome, arm numbness, low back pain, leg numbness, disc injuries and degeneration by effecting the posture curves and normalizing body weight when sitting, driving or laying.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a back support device which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the back support device are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.