Patent ID: 6053883
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A support belt adapted for encircling and being secured to the waist of a wearer for providing both back and abdominal muscle support during strenuous activity while providing a non-interfering support and a non-interfering fit with the skeletal structure of the ribs and hips of the wearer, the belt comprising:a. an elongate base having a longitudinal axis and opposite outer ends and of a length sufficient to encircle the waist of the wearer, the base including an enlarged back support area and an enlarged abdominal support area, each area of a first fixed predetermined vertical height and each area being integral within the base, and made of a semi-rigid material wrapped in a flexible cloth for comfort, the areas being disposed within the base such that the areas are opposite one another when the belt is encircling the waist of the wearer;b. reduced side areas within the base, having a second predetermined vertical height smaller than said first predetermined vertical height and disposed intermediately of the back support and abdominal support areas and opposite one another between the hips and ribs of the wearer when the belt is encircling the waist, said reduced side areas being sized to allow the belt to be sufficiently tightened against the back and abdominal walls without encountering the skeletal structure of the ribs or hips of the wearer thereby evenly distributing and providing optimum support to both the back and abdominal walls and accommodate bending and side-to-side motion of the wearer;c. a first fastening means comprising a first pad portion at one end of the base and a second pad portion disposed at the other end of the base, the first and second pad portions adapted to be placed in overlying, releasably secured relationship with one another when the belt is encircling the waist of the wearer;d. an elongate strap of flexible, generally non-stretchable material secured to and coaxial with the base, and having free opposite ends;e. a second, cinchable fastening means on the strap comprising a fastener secured to one of said strap ends and a flap on the other end adapted to be received in and secured by said fastener and cinched to fit when the belt is placed around the waist of the wearer; andf. means for securing the first fastening means after the belt is properly cinched.