GB2209708A

GB2209708A - Body support

Info

Publication number: GB2209708A
Application number: GB8820728A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Gilfillan Gillespie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-09-11
Filing date: 1988-09-02
Publication date: 1989-05-24
Also published as: GB8820728D0; GB8721435D0

Abstract

A body support comprises a board-like structure formed from a layer of resilient material 3 such as a foamed plastics material, sealingly encased in an outer cover 5 which is made of cleanable semi-rigid plastics material. Layers of cardboard 4 may optionally be present. <IMAGE>

Description

BODY SUPPORT l This invention relates to a body support for supporting a person's back in a horizontal position.

Particularly in the area of commercial vehicle and plant maintenance where a mechanic is required to work underneath the vehicle in a horizontal position the type of known back support which is used tends to be a wooden or metallic platform which derives mobility from a system of casters secured to the base of the platform. Apart from being uncomfortable these supports are difficult to keep stationary due to the system of casters mentioned and this can prove dangerous, especially when difficult work is being undertaken. Also, the support is relatively thick due to the presence of the casters which limits the locations where these supports can be used. Furthermore the casters have a limited life during which they run freely and thereafter tend to impede usage of the support.

An object of the present invention is to provide a support which is comfortable and remains immobile while in use.

According to the present invention there is provided a body support comprising a layer of resilient material sealingly encased in a cover made of cleanable semi-rigid plastics material so as to form a board-like structure.

It is preferable that the cover material be of heavy duty polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The cover may be pre moulded in two halves for receiving the layer of resilient material, the two cover halves being bonded together at their mating faces in a peripherally continuous manner around the layer of resilient material.

Conveniently the board-like structure is shaped at its periphery to define one or more apertures which are operable as handles for positioning the support in a required user position or which are operable for hanging up the support in an out of use position. The apertures may be protrusive or inset with respect to the resilient layer.

It is also preferably that the resilient layer be made of foamed material such as polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride both of which provide thermal insulation properties.

By virtue of the present invention a back support is provided which isolates a user from wetness and rising damp and which at the same time is comfortable to use and relatively long lasting because it is substantially damage-proof. In particular it can be run over by a car or other vehicle and still be serviceable thereafter.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first form of back support in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view taken on the line AA' of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a second form of back support in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line BB' of Fig. 3.

Referring to the drawing, Figs. 1 and 2 show a back support 1 with its edges 2 heavily taped for protection.

The support 1 includes a layer of polystyrene 3 approximately 15 mm in thickness which is bonded on both sides to layers of cardboard 4, the cardboard layers being about 7 mm in thickness. A heavy duty PVC or polyurethane case 5 surrounds the laminated layers 3, 4 to form a board-like structure, the case or cover being heat sealed around said board to enclose it. Desirably, the case 5 is produced from a tubular roll of synethetic plastics material. A suitable length is cut from the roll, pulled over the board to enclose it and then the open ends are heat sealed.

In the construction shown in Figs. 3 and 4 the back support 1 comprises a layer 8 of resilient material which is encased in a cover 9 formed by pre moulded upper and lower halves 9A, 9B which are bonded together around the periphery of the layer 8 so as to form a laterally protruding rim 10. Cover half 9B is essentially planar whereas cover half 9A forms a pocket for receipt of the layer 8 as a result of which rim 10 extends from one face of the layer 8 giving rise to lower surface 11 which is of greater areal extent than upper surface 12. Surface 11 therefore is conveniently used to abut a floor surface whereas surface 12 is used to support a user. This provides for relative cleanliness of surface 12 throughout the duration of use. Furthermore, as is best shown in Fig. 3, apertures 13, 14 are provided at the periphery of the support for use a handles by a user. These apertures 13, 14 may be protrusive from the layer 8 or, as illustrated may be recessed into layer 8.

The dimensions of the support 1 may be 1050 by 600 mm in areal extent and about 20 to 25 mm in thickness. Rim 10 may protrude by about 25 mm and the cover halves 9A, 9B may each be about 0.8 mm in thickness.

The cover 9 may be made of any of the previously described plastics materials each of which is cleanable.

It is preferred that the material used is ABS since this is also fire retardant which enables the support 1 to be used safely in a welding environment.

A number of advantages exist with the present invention. Due to the absence of any system of wheels the support will remain where it has been placed. It is light-weight and of a simple construction. It is comfortable and easy to clean. In addition, any damaged outer casing can easily be replaced.

Claims

1. A body support comprising a layer of resilient material sealingly encased in a cover made of cleanable semi-rigid plastics material so as to form a board-like structure.

2. A body support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer of resilient material is a foamed plastics material.

3. A body support as claimed in either preceding claim, wherein the cover is pre moulded in two halves which are bonded together at their mating faces in a peripherally continuous manner around the layer of resilient material.

4. A body support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the board-like structure is shaped at its periphery to define one or more apertures which are operable as handles for the support.

5. A body support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the board-like structure has a thickness of about 25 mm.

6. A body support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 or Figs. 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawing.