WO1989006149A1

WO1989006149A1 - Support apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1989006149A1
Application number: PCT/AU1988/000495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry Herbert May
Original assignee: Barry Herbert May
Priority date: 1987-12-29
Filing date: 1988-12-29
Publication date: 1989-07-13
Also published as: AU2917389A

Abstract

A supporting apparatus for supporting the upper part of the body of a user, particularly when the user is in a seated position to encourage good posture and thereby eliminate or at least reduce back discomfort. The supporting apparatus comprising a harness (19) for connection to the upper part of the body of a user. Means (25) are provided for applying a force to the harness which is upwardly and rearwardly directed relative to the user and such means includes at least one elastic tube (21) one end of which is connected to the harness and the other end of which is connected to a tensioning means (25). The elastic tube passes around a guide means (33) between the harness and the tensioning means. Upon operation of the tensioning means the length of the elastic tube between the harness and the guide means can be adjusted according to the requirements of the user.

Description

"Support Apparatus"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a supporting apparatus and more particularly to a supporting apparatus for supporting the upper part of the body of a user.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, for supporting the upper part of the body of a person in a seated position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Where a person occupies a seated position for an extended period of time, there is a tendency for the person to assume a slumped condition thereby causing strain on the person's spine. Over a prolonged period of time, strain on the spine can lead to back disorders such as disc herniation. This problem is particularly common in drivers of trucks and other vehicles as they have a tendency to assume a slumped condition when holding a steering wheel for extended periods of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a supporting apparatus which can provide support for the upper part of the body of a user to encourage good posture.

In one form the invention resides in a support?; ,-,- apparatus comprising a harness for connection to . >■ ' ■ >_• <<■ ^■ part of the body of a user and means connected to the harness for applying a force to the harness which is upwardly and rearwardly directed relative to the user.

SUBSTIT With this arrangement the force applied to the harness lifts the upper part of the body of the user and so supports some of the weight of the user. This provides support for the back of the user and discourages the user from assuming a slumped condition.

Preferably, said means includes at least one resilient tension member connected between the harness and a tensioning means adapted to and capable of selectively applying a pulling force to the tension member.

Preferably, said tension member is flexible and extends upwardly at least initially from the harness.

Preferably, said tension member comprises an elongated elastic element one end of which is connected to said harness and the other end of which is connected to said tensioning means.

Where the support apparatus according to the invention is to provide support for a person occupying a seat having a seat portion and a back rest, the tensioning means preferably includes a guide means around which said elongated elastic element passes, said guide means being supported above the back rest, and adjusting means adapted for and capable of selectively adjusting the position of the tension member to vary the length of the portion of the tension member extending between the harness and the guide means.

Preferably the guide means is supported on a framework which is positioned behind and extends upwardly of the back rest of said seat.

Preferably, said adjusting means includes a member movably mounted on said framework for movement towards and away from said guide means, said tension member being connected to said movable member and locking means for selectively locking said movable member against movement in the direction towards said tension member.

Preferably, said movable member is supported on said framework for movement therealong.

Preferably there are two of said tension members connected to the harness at spaced locations such that in use the tension members apply said forces to the harness on opposed sides of the spine of a user wearing the harness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a supporting apparatus according to the embodiment used in association with a seat of a motor vehicle, with an occupant of the seat shown in an upright position using the support apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the exception that the occupant is shown leaning forwardly;

Fig. 3 is also a view similar to Fig. 1 with the exception that the occupant is shown turning to one side;

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the supporting apparatus; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of part of the rear of the supporting apparatus, with a portion of one longitudinal member cut away.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to a supporting apparatus for use by the driver of a motor vehicle, particularly a truck. The supporting apparatus is intended to provide support for the back of the driver, as will be explained in more detail later.

In the drawings, the supporting apparatus is indicated generally by reference numeral 10 and is associated with the driver's seat which is shown in outline and identified generally by reference numeral 11. The driver's seat 11 includes a seat portion 13 and a back rest 15. The driver is shown in the drawings in outline and is identified by reference numeral 17.

The support apparatus 10 includes a harness 19 adapted to be fitted around the upper part of the body of the driver 17 below the arms. The harness 19 is in the form of a padded strap having a fastening means (not shown) for releasably securing the strap around the upper part of the body of the driver. The fastening means is arranged to be positioned at the front of the body of the driver when the strap is secured in position so as to be readily accessible.

The support apparatus further includes a pair of tension members 21 each in the form of a length of elastic tubing. Each tension member is connected at one end to the harness 19 by way of a connection member 23. When the driver is wearing the harness, connection members 23 are at the back of the driver, one to each side of the spine of the driver.

The support apparatus further comprises a tensioning means 25 to which the other end of each tension member 21 is

T connected. The tensioning means 25 includes a framework 27 positioned behind the drivers seat 11. The framework 27 includes two hollow longitudinal members 29 which extend upwardly above the back rest 15 and which are in spaced relationship. A fixed transverse element 31 extends between the longitudinal members 29, as best seen in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The ends of the fixed transverse element 31 extend beyond the longitudinal members 29.

A guide means 33 is mounted at the upper end of the two longitudinal members 29. The guide means 33 is in the form of a roller 35 which is rotatably supported on an axle 37 which extends between and is supported by the two longitudinal members 29.

A cowling 38 is supported in spaced relationship to, and partially surrounds, the roller 35. The front face of the cowling is padded to provide a head rest for the driver.

A movable transverse member 39 extends between the two longitudinal members 29 and is arranged for movement towards and away from the guide means 33. In this connection, the ends of the movable transverse member 39 are received within longitudinal slots 36 formed in the inner faces of the two hollow longitudinal members 29 and retained in position by pins 42. The longitudinal slots provide tracks for guiding the movable transverse element 39 towards and away from the guide means.

The tension members 21 are connected to the transverse member by ay of connection members 44. In extending between the harness and the movable transverse element 39, the tension members 21 around the guide means 35.

STITUTE SHEET From the harness 19, each tension member 21 passes below the guide means 33 and then wraps around the upper part of the guide means from where it again passes below the guide means again and extends to the movable transverse member, as best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings. Grooves 46 are provided in the peripheral surface of the roller 35 to accommodate the tension members 21 as they wrap around the roller. The cowling 38 serves to retain the tension members 21 on the roller 35 and, more particularly in the grooves 46.

A block and tackle assembly 41 operates between the fixed transverse member 31 and the movable transverse member 39. The block and tackle assembly controls movement of the movable transverse member 39 relative to the fixed transverse member 33 and can be secured in any desired position by locking the rope 42 in a cleat 43.

The tension members 21 extends upwardly from the harness and so apply an uplifting and rearwardly extending force to the harness when they are under tension. In this way, the support apparatus supports at least some of the weight of the driver and encourages the driver to maintain a posture which is not damaging to his back. Because the tension members 21 are elastic, the support apparatus does permit the driver some freedom of movement to lean forwardly or turn to either side when driving, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings.

The longitudinal members 29 of the framework 27 are telescopic to facilitate the selective adjustment of the height of the guide means 33 and head rest associated with it.

In operation, the driver sits in the driver's seat and fits the harness 19 around the upper part of his body

TITUTE SHEET below his arms. The driver then pulls on the rope 42 of the block arm tackle assembly to adjust the position of the movable transverse member and so apply the desired amount of tension to the tension members 21. When the support apparatus is at the desired setting, the movable transverse member is locked in position by securing the rope to the cleat 43.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described; for example, the invention may be adapted to provide support for passengers in motor vehicles and to other persons who are required to be seated for extended periods such as workers in certain production lines.

Furthermore, the invention may be adapted to provide back support for persons occupanying positions other than seated positions.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

THE CLAIMS defining the invention are as follows : -

1. A supporting apparatus comprising a harness for connection to the upper part of the body of a user and means connected to the harness for applying a force to the harness which is upwardly and rearwardly directed relative to the user.

. A supporting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means includes at least one resilient tension member connected between the harness and a tensioning means adapted for and capable of selectively applying a pulling force to the tension member.

3. A supporting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said tension member is flexible and extends upwardly at least initially from the harness.

. A supporting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said tension member comprises an elongated elastic element one end of which is connected to said harness and the other end of which is connected to said tensioning means.

5. A supporting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said tensioning means includes a guide means around which said elongated elastic element passes, and adjusting means adapted for and capable of selectively adjusting the position of the tension member to vary the length of the portion of the tension member extending between the harness and the guide means.

6. A supporting apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said guide means is supported in an elevated position on a framework.

7. A supporting apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said adjusting means includes a member movably mounted on said framework for movement towards and away from said guide means, said tension member being connected to said movable member and locking means for selectively locking said movable member against movement in the direction towards said tension member.

8. A supporting apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 wherein said movable member is supported on said framework for movement therealong.

9. A supporting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there are two of said tension members connected to the harness at spaced locations such that in use the tension members apply said forces to the harness on opposed sides of the spine of a user wearing the harness.

10. A combination of a seat and a supporting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims .

11. A combination according to claim 10 wherein the seat includes a back rest and wherein said framework is positioned behind the backrest and extends upwardly to support said guide in an elevated position with respect to a backrest.

12. A supporting apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET