Patent ID: 6129691
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A back support apparatus, said apparatus for support of a human user having (i) a chest, (ii) waist region, (iii) an abdomen, (iv) a back with shoulders, a middle, and a lumbar region having a preselected height, (v) buttocks, (vi) legs, (vii) and feet, said apparatus comprising:(a) a lumbar-supporting cincture, said cincture adapted to firmly encompass said user's waist in the lumbar region, said cincture sized to substantially span said height of said lumbar region, wherein said cincture further comprises (i) a front portion, (ii) a rear portion having an upper portion, and (iii) an adjustable closure,(b) a pair of shoulder straps, said shoulder straps each comprising a leading end portion, and a trailing end portion, each shoulder strap sized to accommodate said user's shoulders, said shoulder straps individually joined in a predetermined spaced apart relationship at their leading end portions to said cincture at its front portion, said shoulder straps being individually joined at their trailing end portions to said cincture at its upper rear portion, with a predetermined spacing between said shoulder straps,(c) a pair of resilient leg strap assemblies, each of said pair of resilient leg strap assemblies comprising an upper end portion, and a lower end portion, each of said resilient leg strap assemblies disposed behind said user's buttocks and legs, wherein each of said pair of leg strap assemblies are individually joined with a predetermined spacing at their upper end portions to said cincture on the rear portion thereof, and each of said resilient leg strap assemblies having sufficient length to span between said cincture and said feet of said user, and(d) a pair of foot attachments, each of said foot attachments adapted for coupling of said resilient leg strap assemblies to said feet of said user,whereby said pair of resilient leg strap assemblies elongate as said user bends over and accumulate tension, and consequently, in combination with said shoulder straps, said cincture, and said pair of foot attachments, aid said user in restraightening.