NZ613381B2 - Back support - Google Patents

Abstract

portable back support for a user which supports the back while seated and in particular, a combined lumbar and thoracic back support. The support has a generally convex lumbar support region (1) comprising a lateral support wing (3) positioned on either side of the lumbar support region (1) to provide lateral centralising support to each side and provide integral strength to the lumbar support so as to maintain equal shape in the lumbar support region (1). The lumbar support region (1) merges at right angles to a generally convex thoracic support region (2). A replaceable thoracic insert (8) is inserted in a support slot in the thoracic support region (2), and a replaceable lumbar insert (6) is inserted in a support slot in the lumbar support region (1). Each insert (6, 8) is independently deformable to provide a plurality of incremental adjustments to provide a range of support required by a user. vide lateral centralising support to each side and provide integral strength to the lumbar support so as to maintain equal shape in the lumbar support region (1). The lumbar support region (1) merges at right angles to a generally convex thoracic support region (2). A replaceable thoracic insert (8) is inserted in a support slot in the thoracic support region (2), and a replaceable lumbar insert (6) is inserted in a support slot in the lumbar support region (1). Each insert (6, 8) is independently deformable to provide a plurality of incremental adjustments to provide a range of support required by a user.

Description

BACK SUPPORT FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to portable devices which support the back while seated and in particular, combined lumbar and thoracic back supports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is not to be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art.

After undergoing thoracic surgery or recovering from back injury, a person often requires back support when sitting until the spine and its support system recovers. Even when not recovering from surgery, poor posture while sitting can in fact cause back complaints which then require treatment.

Numerous devices have been designed in an attempt to provide lumbar and thoracic support. CA 1298190 discloses a portable back support having an insert enveloped by a sleeve forming a cushioned rigid central portion and a flexible flap.

US 2007096523 teaches a seat and back cushion with cut outs in the thoracic and coccyx regions which supports the lower thoracic and lumbar spine without exerting direct pressure on these regions. There is also a vertically adjustable interchangeable support of variable thickness which mounts on the rear of the back cushion which causes the back cushion to form a curved shape.

US 2008150336 discloses a back support device comprising a lumbar portion, a thoracic portion and a connecting member for aligning the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion simultaneously with a cervical portion housing a surface to support the cervical spine and the connecting member of the thoracic portion to simultaneously sort the body in a reclining position. US 4876755 teaches a three semi-cylindrical cushion device with Velcro strips positioned to allow the cushions to be fastened together to form a cylindrical shape, a “T” shape for lumbar and thoracic support or a side lying “H” shape for support of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions of the back at the same time. The device is attached to a chair back for support when the person is sitting upright and the individual semi-cylindrical cushions can be detached and placed under the cervical or lumbar regions of the back when the person is reclining.

GB 2275416 discloses a portable back support comprising a pair of lower supports adapted to support the lumbar regions of the back on respective sides of the spine, a pair of upper supports adapted to support the mid-thoracic regions of the back on respective sides of the spine and a central support adapted to support the spine in the lumbar region of the back. None of the above devices provide sufficient adjustment to accommodate a wide range of lumbar and thoracic support for a variety of people with different back problems.

Clearly it would be advantageous if a back support could be devised that helped to at least ameliorate some of the shortcomings described above. In particular it would be advantageous to provide a back support which accommodates a wide and structurally controlled range of lumbar and thoracic support or at least to provide a useful alternative.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION According to one but not necessarily the only aspect, the invention resides in a portable back support for a sitting user comprising: a generally convex lumbar support region comprising a lateral support wing positioned on either side of the lumbar support region to provide lateral centralising support to each side and provide integral strength to the lumbar support so as to maintain equal shape in the lumbar support region, said lumbar support region merging at right angles to a generally convex thoracic support region; a replaceable thoracic insert inserted in a support slot in said thoracic support region; a replaceable lumbar insert inserted in a support slot in said lumbar support region; and wherein each said insert is independently deformable to provide a plurality of incremental adjustments to provide a range of support required by a user.

Preferably the inserts may be formed from various materials of different densities, and having the integrity to maintain shape each side of a central axis when inserts are inflated or filled.

Preferably the inserts may be bladders filled with wheat bead, gels or gasses and can be heated or cooled prior to insertion in the support slots.

Preferably an outer surface of the support regions may comprise longitudinal ventilation channels which allow the passage of air between the support and the user sitting against the support.

Preferably the lumbar support region may be generally saddle shaped being convex in vertical section and concave in horizontal section.

Alternatively the lumbar support region may merge continuously into the thoracic support region to form a seat back of generally planar shape except for the saddle lumbar support region and the convex thoracic support region.

Preferably the outer surface of the support may have a plurality of ventilation channels to provide ventilation of the support.

Preferably the support may be restrained on a seat by one or more adjustable straps attached to the support and reaching behind the seat.

Preferably the support may be held in place on a seat by a front cover which is restrained on the seat by one or more adjustable straps attached to the cover and reaching behind the seat.

Preferably the support may be held in place on a seat by a sock which fits over the support and the rear of the seat.

Preferably the sock may fit over a car seat and the support.

Preferably the support slots may be deformable when no insert is placed in the slot in order to relieve pressure at the lumbar support region, the thoracic support region or both regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to be limitative to the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a back support according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a front elevation of the back support of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of Figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the back support of Figure 1; Figure 5 illustrates a top plan view of the back support of Figure 1; Figure 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of the back support of Figure 1; Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a back support according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a front elevation of the back support of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of Figure 8; Figure 10 is sectional view taken along the line BB of Figure 8; Figure 11 shows the back support of Figure 7 with a cover and restraining straps; Figure 12 shows the back support of Figure 11 with a car seat sock cover; Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative back support; Figure 14 illustrates a top plan view of the back support of Figure 13; Figure 15 illustrates a bottom plan view of the back support of Figure 13; Figure 16 illustrates a side elevation of the back support of Figure 13; Figure 17 illustrates an elevation midline cross section of the back support of Figure 13; and Figure 18 illustrates a front elevation of the back support of Figure 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following description, given by way of example only, is described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

The portable back support of Figures 1 and 2 has a convex lumbar support region 1 merging at right angles into a narrower convex thoracic support region 2. Region 1 has lateral centralising wings 3 at each end which also merge into region 2. The outer surface of regions 1 and 2 have a series of longitudinal ventilation channels 4 which allow the passage of air between the back support and the person sitting against the back support.

Slot 5 of region 1 is designed to receive lumbar insert 6 which is deformable to achieve variable adjustment for the specific lumbar support required for a particular user. It should be understood that a user undergoing rehabilitation from a back injury or surgery may require a support system which can be varied over time to suit the incremental changes achieved during and over the time of rehabilitation. Therefore the lumbar insert 6 must be capable of being adjusted over time to suit any number of incremental adjustments required. Likewise, slot 7 of region 2 is designed to receive thoracic insert 8 to achieve variable adjustment for the thoracic support for a particular user over the time of rehabilitation.

A range of shaped inserts 6 and 8 made from different materials can be used to provide the incremental changes between firm or soft support to specific parts of the user’s spine. Materials include timber, rubber and synthetic plastics such as PVC. The slots can also contain bladders filled with wheat bead, gels and gasses such as nitrogen which can be cooled or heated prior to insertion in slots 5 and 7 thus providing cooling or heating of regions of the user’s back.

Figure 3 which is section AA of Figure 2 shows the convex profile of region 1, ventilation channels 4 and rigid base 9. It also shows slot 5 which receives lumbar insert 6 which is deformable to achieve variable adjustment for the specific lumbar support required for a particular user. Figure 4 shows a side view of the portable back support of Figure 1 showing the convex profile of region 1, having a base 9 and longitudinal ventilation channels 4.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate top and bottom views in accordance with the present embodiment. In Figure 5 the thoracic slot 7 of region 2 defines the slot for the thoracic insert 8. Also shown in Figure 5 are the lateral centralising wings 3 located on either side of the portable back support and the series of longitudinal ventilation channels 4. Figure 6 shows the region 1 which includes the convex lumbar support region 1 which merges at right angles into the narrower convex thoracic support region 2 (shown in Figure 5). Backing plate 9 forms the base for the portable back support. On either side of the backing plate 9 are extensions 50 which provide support for the lateral centralising wings 3.

The back support of Figures 7 and 8 has a convex lumbar support region 1 merging at right angles into a narrower convex thoracic support region 2.

Region 1 has lateral wings 3 at each end which also merge into region 2. The lateral wings 3 provide a centralising support for a user which aids in the initial centralising of the lower back in the first step to posture improvement. The outer surface of regions 1 and 2 have a series of longitudinal ventilation channels 4 which allow the passage of air between the back support and the person sitting against the back support.

Figure 9 which is section AA of Figure 8 shows the convex profile of region 1, ventilation channels 4 and rigid base 9. It also shows slot 5 which receives lumbar insert 6 which is deformable to achieve variable adjustment for the specific lumbar support required for a particular user.

Figure 10 which is section BB of Figure 8 shows the convex profile of region 2, cross section of the lateral centralising wings 3 which are supported by extensions 9a of base 9 and longitudinal ventilation channels 4. It also shows slot 7 which receives thoracic insert 8 which is deformable to achieve variable adjustment for the specific thoracic support required for a particular user.

As above a range of shaped inserts 6 and 8 made from different materials can be used to provide the incremental changes between firm or soft support to specific parts of the user’s spine. Materials include timber, rubber and synthetic plastics such as PVC. The slots can also contain bladders filled with wheat bead, gels and gasses such as nitrogen which can be cooled or heated prior to insertion in slots 5 and 7 thus providing cooling or heating of regions of the user’s back.

In Figure 11 the back support is provided with front cloth cover 10 which has adjustment straps 11 and 12 for securing the support to a chair or car seat at the correct height for the required back support. In Figure 12 the covered back support of Figure 11 is enclosed in a sock 13 for a car seat. Slot 14 allows sock 13 to be drawn over the car seat with the back support strapped in place and slot 15 allows sock 13 to be drawn over the head rest of the car seat resulting in a snug fit.

Figures 13 to 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the back support of the subject invention which has a more conventional seat back shape but still embodies similar lumbar and thoracic support. Backing plate 20 is shaped as a standard seat back which receives molded facia 21 which has a convex lumbar support region 22 merging at right angles into a narrower convex thoracic support region 23. Facia 21 also has lateral slot 25 to receive insert 26 and vertical slot 27 to receive insert 28.

Figures 14 and 15 show a saddle profile of region 22 which is horizontally concave and vertically convex. Figure 14 also shows the convex profile of region 23 and slot 27 which receives thoracic insert 28 which is deformable to achieve variable adjustment for the specific thoracic support required for a particular user.

Figures 16 and 17 show region 22 merging into section 23 and slot 25 which receives lumbar insert 26 which is deformable to achieve variable adjustment for the specific lumbar support required for a particular user. The outer surface of facia 21 has a series of horizontal ventilation channels 24 which allow the passage of air between the support and the person sitting against it.

As before, a range of shaped inserts 26 and 28 made from different materials can be used to provide firm or soft support to specific parts of the user’s spine.

Materials include timber, rubber and synthetic plastics such as PVC. The slots can also contain bladders filled with wheat bead, gels and gasses such as nitrogen which can be cooled or heated prior to insertion in slots 25 and 27 thus providing cooling or heating of regions of the user’s back.

VARIATIONS It will be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention all modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising” are not intended to exclude other additives components, integers or steps.

Claims (13)

1. A portable back support for a sitting user comprising: a generally convex lumbar support region comprising a lateral support 5 wing positioned on either side of the lumbar support region to provide lateral centralising support to each side and provide integral strength to the lumbar support so as to maintain equal shape in the lumbar support region, said lumbar support region merging at right angles to a generally convex thoracic support region; 10 a replaceable thoracic insert inserted in a support slot in said thoracic support region; a replaceable lumbar insert inserted in a support slot in said lumbar support region; and wherein each said insert is independently deformable to provide a 15 plurality of incremental adjustments to provide a range of support required by a user.

2. The support of claim 1 wherein the inserts are formed from various materials of different densities.

3. The support of claim 2 in which the inserts are bladders filled with wheat bead, gels or gasses and can be heated or cooled prior to insertion in the support slots. 25

4. The support of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the support regions comprises longitudinal ventilation channels which allow the passage of air between the support and the user sitting against the support.

5. The support of claim 1 in which the lumbar support region is generally 30 saddle shaped being convex in vertical section and concave in horizontal section, and having the integrity to maintain shape each side of a central axis when inserts are inflated or filled.

6. The support of claim 5 in which the lumbar support region merges 5 continuously into the thoracic support region to form a seat back of generally planar shape except for the saddle lumbar support region and the convex thoracic support region.

7. The support of claim 4 in which the outer surface of the support has a 10 plurality of ventilation channels to provide ventilation of the support.

8. The support of claim 1 wherein the support is restrained on a seat by one or more adjustable straps attached to the support and reaching behind the seat.

9. The support of claim 1 which is held in place on a seat by a front cover which is restrained on the seat by one or more adjustable straps attached to the cover and reaching behind the seat. 20

10. The support of claim 1 which is held in place on a seat by a sock which fits over the support and the rear of the seat.

11. The support of claim 10 wherein the sock fits over a car seat and the support.

12. The support of claim 1 wherein the support slots are deformable when no insert is placed in the slot in order to relieve pressure at the lumbar support region, the thoracic support region or both regions. 30

13. A portable back support substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.