Back support with integral carrying case

Abstract: A back support (10) adapted to engage the lumbar region of the wearer having a pair of straps (16, 18) which extend longitudinally from the ends (20, 22) of the support member (12) and terminate in loops to engage the knees of the wearer when the wearer is seated on the ground or on a backless support, such as a bench or the like. The force of the wearer's knees on the straps (16, 18) pulls the back-supporting member (12) against the lower back supporting it and enabling the wearer to sit upright comfortably for extended periods of time. The back support (10) is provided with an integrally formed container pack by providing a closure member (14) along the outside periphery of the support (12) which, in the closed position, forms a container pack for the straps (16, 18). Carrying handles (28, 29) are provided. The back support (10) further includes a buckle (30) for connecting the straps (16, 18) together thereby restricting movement of the legs away from each other. The back support (10) also includes a retainer strap (40) to attach and maintain the back support (10) in position on the back of the user when the straps (16, 18) are disengaged from the knees of the user.

Description: The present invention relates to a back support apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1. In activities where an individual must be seated upright on a flat surface without a rigid back support, for example on the ground or floor, or on a backless chair, bench, and the like, sitting in this position for extended periods of time is uncomfortable, often painful and difficult, particularly for individuals with back problems. Such activities may include, but are not necessarily limited to, athletic events such as hunting, boating, camping and so forth. Other passive events such as watching athletic contests, meditating and even listening to music may cause back strain when one position is maintained for a considerable length of time. Back supporting apparatus which are generally similar to the present invention are shown in US-Patents 4,773,106 and 4,813,080, and in Japanese Serial Number 63-251009, among others. A back support apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A-4,773,106. The object underlying the invention is to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when used for various activities as described herein above. This object is solved by the features in the characterizing clause of claim 1. Advantageous developments of this apparatus are stated in the sub-claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the back support with integral carrying case in the closed position. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the invention in the open position with the straps extended. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the back support in use. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the back support being carried by a user in an non-use position. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, the back support and integral carrying case 10 of the present invention is shown in the open position in Figure 2 and includes a back support member 12 having an elongated and generally rectangular shape. The outer periphery of the support member 12 is provided with a suitable closure means 14 which, in the preferred embodiment, would be a zipper or similar mechanical closure. The support member 12 may be cushioned or padded and/or reinforced thus providing sufficient strength to support the wearer's lower back in use. The back support 10 is provided with a pair of elongated straps 16 and 18 which are integrally attached to the support member 12 at respective ends 20 and 22. The straps 16 and 18 form elongated loops and include buckle means 24 and 26 which permit adjustment of the length of each of the loops and which also provide a closure for securing the loops in their operative position. The straps may extend within the interior layers of the back support member 12 connecting each of the strap components 16 and 18 together. It will also be appreciated that the ends of each of the straps may terminate at the ends 20 and 22 of the back support member 12 as long as the mechanical connection between the straps and the support member is of sufficient strength to withstand the forces subjected to it during use. Handle members 28 and 29 are provided to carry the support when it is folded upon itself to form the integral carrying case as shown in Figure 1. In the closed position, the straps 16 and 18 are maintained within the case formed by the back support member 12. A snap type buckle 30, formed of a male locking member 32 and a female locking member 34, is connected to the inner sections of the straps 18 and 16, respectively. As shown in Figure 3, when the back support member 10 is used, the buckle 30 is connected thereby keeping the user's knees together which further relieves the strain on the lower back and aids in positioning the support member 12 in the proper position. The straps 16 and 18 are also provided with knee pads 36 and 38 which lessen the strain on the user's knees, permitting him to exert sufficient force on the support member 12 to hold the back in a supported position. The back support 10 also includes a retainer strap 40 which is adapted to encircle the torso of a user and to be secured in place by a suitable means such as a buckle 42 so that the back support may be worn on the user without the necessity of having the elongated straps looped over the knees to maintain the support in place. Whereas this does not provide any supporting function, it eliminates the need for repositioning the support each time that it is used and facilitates carrying the back support without the need of a separate carrying case or without continuously holding the item. It also permits removal of the knees during activities without having to interrupt the particular activity to handle or store the back support. Referring to Figure 3, a user is shown wearing the back support. The support member 12 is fit against the lumbar portion of the back, and straps 16 and 18 are looped over the knees with the user in a seated position. The buckle 30 keeps the knees of the user together. Force, exerted by the knees, pulls the support member against the lumbar region of the wearer's back to provide suitable support. When not in use, the straps are folded into the integrally formed carrying case as described hereinabove. Figure 4 illustrates the back support in a non-use position where the retainer strap 40 maintains the strap in the proper position.

Claims: A back support apparatus (10) for supporting the lower back region of a user in a seated position including a flexible, rectangular back support member (12), suitable for spanning the width of the back of the user; elongated straps (16, 18) attached to and extending from the ends of said back support member (12); said straps forming loops, suitable for engaging the knees of the user when said user is in a seated position; whereby the force of said user s knees on said straps (16, 18) pulls said back support member (12) against the back of said user supporting the same, characterized in a closure means (14) integrally formed around the periphery of said rectangular back support member (12); said closure means (14) permitting said back support member (12) to be folded upon itself and secured by said closure means (14), forming a case for carrying said elongated straps (16, 18) therein. The apparatus of Claim 1, characterized in that said closure means (14) is a zipper. The apparatus of Claim 1, further characterized by carrying straps (28, 29) connected to said rectangular back support member (12) when said apparatus is in the folded and closed position. The apparatus of Claim 1, characterized in that a pair of knee pads are slideably positioned on said straps (16, 15), suitable for covering the knees of the user. The apparatus of one of the preceding Claims characterized in that a buckle means (24, 26) slideably positioned on said straps (16, 18) along the opposite inner section of said straps (16, 18) connecting said loops together resticting movement of said loops away from each other while in use suitable for providing the user with more comfort while in a seated position. The use of an apparatus of one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a retainer strap (40) is connected to said back support member (12) for attaching and maintaining said back support apparatus (10) in position, on the back of a user, when said elongated straps (16, 18) are disengaged from the knees of the user.

Inventors: TOSO VICTOR, TOSO, VICTOR
Applicants: TOSO VICTOR, TOSO, VICTOR
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A47C16
IPC codes: A47C4, A47C16