UPPER BODY SUPPORT APPARATUS

Abstract: An upper body support apparatus (10) for supporting the back of a user (72). The apparatus (10) comprises a frame structure (11) having upper (24) and lower (26) end portions, and a pair of chest straps (18, 20) each attached at one end to the upper end portion (24) of the frame structure (11) and at the other end to the lower portion (26) of the frame structure. The apparatus (10) is adapted to be fitted to a user (72) with the chest straps bearing against the front of the upper trunk region of the user to direct a rewardly directed pressure thereto and to maintain the back of the user in contact with a back-engaging member.

Description: Title Upper Body Support Apparatus Technical Field The present invention relates to an upper body support apparatus. Background of the Invention At present, commonly used supports for the correction of posture, back complaints and/or the alleviation of lower back pain are very rigid and inflexible, and are consequently often uncomfortable. In addition, such supports are not readily adjustable to suit a range of size and weights of wearer. This can require that a range of sizes of support be provided. Furthermore, such supports can be expensive and generally inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention The upper body support apparatus of the present invention seeks to overcome substantially, or at least reduce some of, the above problems associated with the prior art, or alternatively to at least provide a useful choice. In accordance with the present invention there is provided an upper body support apparatus comprising a frame structure having upper and lower end portions, and a pair of chest straps each attached at one end to the upper end portion of the frame structure and at the other end to the lower portion of the frame structure, the apparatus being adapted to be fitted to a user with the chest straps bearing against the front of the upper trunk region of the user to direct a rearwardly directed pressure thereto and to maintain the back of the user in contact with a back-engaging member. The back engaging member may form part of the upper body supporting apparatus according to the invention or it may be separate thereto. In the case where the back engaging member forms part of the upper body supporting apparatus, it is preferably mounted on the frame structure. In the case where the back engaging member is separate from the upper body supporting apparatus, it may be defined by part of a back rest of a seat on which the user may sit. The frame structure may comprise a pair of longitudinal brace members having upper and lower ends to which the chest straps are attached. The longitudinal brace members may be substantially rigid, although some resilient flexibility is desirable. Where the back engaging member is separate from the upper body supporting apparatus according to the invention, the pair of longitudinal brace members may be located in relation to the back rest of the seat. This may be achieved by locating the longitudinal brace members against the rear side of the back rest or by anchoring the brace members to the back rest in some appropriate fashion. Where the back engaging member forms part of the back supporting apparatus, the frame structure preferably includes a transverse brace member extending between the longitudinal brace members and maintaining the longitudinal brace members in spaced apart relation. The transverse brace member may include the back engaging member. Preferably, the longitudinal brace members are each held in position with respect to the transverse brace member in a flexibly resilient manner. This may be achieved through use of an O-ring projecting across one side of the transverse brace member and through which one longitudinal brace member passes on the other side of the transverse brace member. The back-engaging member preferably is comprised of a flexibly resilient material. More particularly, the back-engaging member may comprise one or more bands of such material. In one arrangement, a further transverse strap is preferably provided extending between the chest straps. The further transverse strap may be adjustable in length. In another arrangement, each chest strap maybe provided with a chest pad for contacting the user at or about the chest region to thereby at least assist in maintaining the chest straps in position. Each pad may incorporate a grip means by which the user may grasp the pad while fitting or removing the chest strap. A lower strap may be provided for strapping the frame structure to the lower trunk of the user. In the way, the lower strap may exert a rearwardly directed pressure to the lower abdominal region of the user. Where the upper body support is for use in association with a seat, the frame structure may be part of the seat. With such an arrangement, the back-engaging member is also preferably part of the seat. In accordance with the present invention there is further provided an upper body support apparatus comprising a pair of longitudinal brace members having upper and lower ends, a transverse brace member, a pair of chest straps and a lower strap, the transverse brace member spacing apart the longitudinal brace members and having provided thereon a forwardly spaced back engaging member, the chest straps each extending between the upper and lower ends of either longitudinal brace member whereas the lower strap extends between the second ends thereof. ln accordance with the present invention there is still further provided a method of relieving stress to a user's back or for correcting the posture thereof, wherein a rearwardly directed pressure is applied to the chest/shoulder and lower abdomen regions of the user whilst a forwardly directed pressure is applied to the thoracic and/or upper lumbar spine. Brief Description of the Drawings The apparatus and method of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to several embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an upper body support apparatus according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a front perspective view showing the upper body support apparatus of Figure 1 in position on a user; Figure 3 is a rear perspective view showing the upper body support apparatus of Figure 1 in position on the user; Figure 4 is a side view showing the upper body support apparatus of Figure 1 in position on the user; Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of the upper body support apparatus of Figure 1 showing longitudinal brace members resiliently attached to a transverse brace member; Figure 6 is a front perspective view showing an upper body support apparatus according to a second embodiment in position on a user; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an upper body support apparatus according to a third embodiment fitted onto a car seat; Figure 8 is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 7 but with a user shown in position; Figure 9 is a rear view of the arrangement shown in Fig 7; Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an upper body support apparatus according to a fourth embodiment fitted onto a chair; Figure 11 is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 9 but with a user shown in position; and Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a chair incorporating an upper body support apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. Descriptions of Preferred Embodiments In Figures 1 to 5, there is shown an upper body support apparatus 10 intended to support the back of a user. The apparatus 10 comprises a frame structure 11 which includes a pair of longitudinal brace members 12 and 14, and a transverse brace member 16 . The apparatus 10 further comprises pair of chest straps 18 and 20, and an abdominal strap 22. The chest straps 18, 20 and the abdominal strap 22 are formed of a flexibly resilient or elasticised material. The longitudinal brace members 12 and 14 each have an upper end 24 and a lower end 26, in use. The upper ends 24 of the longitudinal brace members 12, 14 have eyelets 28 through which the chest straps 18 and 20 are fixed. The chest straps 18, 20 are each attached at the lower end thereof to the respective longitudinal brace members 12, 14 through attachment member 30 spaced from the lower end 26 of the longitudinal brace member. Adjustment means (not shown) may be provided for selectively allowing adjustment in the length of the chest straps 18 and 20. The abdominal strap 22 has a first section 36 and a second section 38. The other end of the first section 36 is fixed to the lower end 26 of longitudinal brace member 12 through an eyelet 40 provided in the brace member. The other end of the second section 38 is fixed to the lower end of the longitudinal brace member 14 through an eyelet 42 provided in the brace member. While not shown in the drawings the abdominal strap 22 may be adjustable in length. The chest straps 18 and 20 have attached thereto and extending therebetween a transverse strap 50. The strap 50 is provided in two sections 51 , 52 adapted to be releasably coupled together by releasable coupling 53. While not shown in the drawings, the transverse strap 50 may be adjustable in length. The transverse brace member 16 is formed in a U-form, having a rear plate section 54 and two forwardly projecting arms 56. The plate 54 is slightly curved or bowed so as to be somewhat concave in a forward direction. This allows the plate section 54 to conform generally with the profile of the user, as seen in Figures 2 and 3. The plate 54 has a pair of notches 55 provided in its upper and lower edges 58 and 60 respectively, adjacent each side 62 thereof, as best seen in Figure 5. A flexibly resilient O-ring 64 is stretched between the mirrored upper and lower pairs of notches 55 and receive the longitudinal brace members 12 and 14 in a manner whereby such are held against the plate 54 in a flexibly resilient manner. The arms 56 have a back-engaging portion 66 extending therebetween. The back-engaging portion 66 is in this manner spaced forwardly of the rear plate 54. The back-engaging portion 66 comprises two bands 68 of flexibly resilient material such as elasticised webbing. In Figures 2, 3 and 4, there is shown the upper body support apparatus 10 being worn by a user 72. The material bands 68 of the back engaging portion 66 engages the thoracic and/or upper lumbar spine of the user 72. The upper ends 24 of the longitudinal brace members 12 and 14 project upwardly beyond the shoulders 74 of the user 72, with the chest straps 18 and 20 engaging the chest 76 and shoulders 74 thereof. The transverse brace member 16 and back engaging portion 66 acting to space the members 12 and 14 apart from the back of the user 72. The transverse strap 50 is fastened across the chest region 76 of the user 72 to maintain the chest straps 18, 20 in position, and the abdominal strap 22 is fastened across the lower abdomen 80 of the user, in particular in front of the anterior superior iliac crests of the pelvis and abdomen. In use, the user 72 is able to fit the upper body support apparatus 10 him or herself. It is envisaged that the user will put one arm and then the other through the gaps between the respective chest straps 18, 20 and the frame structure 11 in a manner similar to putting on a back-pack. The back support apparatus 10 may be removed by the user 72 by applying similar steps in a reverse manner. The upper body support apparatus 10 of the present invention is arranged so as to allow full movement of the back and neck of the suer 72 while applying resilient pressure to the user 72 to ensure relaxation of the muscles and maintenance of correct posture or alignment. When the upper body support apparatus 10 of the present invention is in position on the user 72, a rearwardly directed pressure is exerted by the chest straps 18, and 20 on the chest 76 and shoulders 74 of the user 72. Such action is accentuated through use of a flexibly resilient material in the construction of the chest straps 18 and 20. Rearwardly directed pressure is also applied through the transverse strap 50 and abdominal strap 22. The extent of pressure exerted by each of the straps 18, 20, 50 and 22 may be adjusted by the user 72 or a third party. A forwardly directed pressure or support is provided by the back engaging portion 66, particularly because of the bands of elasticised material. The construction of the upper body support apparatus 10 of the present invention allows same to be adaptable for use by a user 72 of almost any height or dimension. For example, the longitudinal brace members 12 and 14 are held in position relative to the back engaging portion 66 in a flexibly resilient manner by way of the O-ring 64. This method of attachment allows movement of the longitudinal brace members 12 and 14 in a vertical direction, and also allows the longitudinal brace members 12 and 14 to move angularly. It is envisaged that a variety of materials may be utilised to construct the upper body support apparatus 10 of the present invention as long as the appropriate requirements for strength and flexible resilience in the various members is achieved. It is envisaged in circumstances where the user 72 wishes to indulge in the lifting or movement of heavy weights that the chest straps 18, 20 may be made of inextensible material. The length of such inextensible straps may be adjusted by the user 72 or a third party to provide a good fit. The use of inextensible straps will provide greater support when moving heavy weights. Referring now to Fig 6 of the drawings, the upper body support apparatus 80 of the second embodiment is similar to the apparatus 10 of the first embodiment except that chest pads 82 are used instead of the transverse strap 50 to assist in maintaining the chest straps 18, 20 in position. The pads 82 bear on the chest region 76 of the user and this assists in maintaining the chest straps in position. Each pad 82 is attached to a respective one of the chest straps 18, 20 by being threaded through eyelets 84 in the pad. This form of attachment allows the pad 82 to be readily adjusted along the length of the strap into a comfortable position according to the requirements of the user. A handle 86 is incorporated into each pad 82 to provide a grip means by which the user may conveniently grasp the chest strap to pull it into position when fitting the apparatus 10. Similarly, the handles 86 assist in removing the apparatus 10. In a further embodiment (which is not shown), the upper body support apparatus may incorporate both the transverse straps 50 and the chest pads 82. In the embodiments which have been described previously, each body support apparatus has been adapted to be worn by the user so as to allow the user to be mobile when fitted with the apparatus. Each of these embodiments of the apparatus is not, however, particularly convenient in circumstances where the user wishes to be seated, particularly for an extended period of time. The embodiment shown in Figs 7, 8 and 9 is directed to an upper body support apparatus 90 adapted to be used with a car seat 92 having a seat portion 94 and a back-rest potion 96 incorporating a head rest 98. In this embodiment, the apparatus 90 does not incorporate the back-engaging member 66 of the earlier embodiments as the function of the back-engaging member is provided by the back-rest portion 96. The apparatus 90 according to this embodiment comprises a frame structure 11 incorporating the longitudinal brace members 12, 14 which are adapted to be located behind the back-rest portion 96 in contact with the rear face 99 thereof. The chest straps 18, 20 extend over the top and around the sides of the back- rest portion 96 of the seat so that a user 72 can fit the chest straps into position (in a similar fashion to the earlier embodiments) while occupying the seat 92, as shown in Fig 8. With this embodiment, it is preferable to provide each chest strap 18, 20 with a chest pad 82 to assist in maintaining the straps in position, rather than using a transverse strap of the type used with the first embodiment . This is to facilitate a quick and easy departure from the apparatus should that be necessary. Similarly, in this embodiment there is no abdominal strap as used in earlier embodiments, although such a strap could be incorporated if desired. The longitudinal brace members 12, 14 are linked together using upper and lower lengths of webbing 102 and 104 respectively. The lengths of webbing 102, 104 are necessary to secure the longitudinal members together as there is no transverse brace member 16 as used in the first embodiment. If desired, the longitudinal brace members 12, 14 can be further stabilised in position by tethering or otherwise securing each one of them to a respective one of the supporting posts of the head rest 98. Figs 10 and 11 show a further embodiment adapted to be used in association with a seat. This embodiment, however, is directed to an upper body support apparatus 110 particularly adapted for use with a seat in the form of a chair 112 having a seat portion 114 and a back -rest portion 116 which offers little support to an occupant in the thoracic and/or upper lumbar spine region. In this embodiment, the frame structure 11 comprises the longitudinal brace members 12,14 adapted to be positioned against the rear side of the back-rest portion 116 and attached in such position by attachment straps 118 which wrap around the back-rest portion 116. Each strap 118 may be in two sections which can be releasably coupled together in any suitable fashion such as by a conventional hook and loop fastening system. The longitudinal brace members 12, 14 are connected together using webbing 120. When the apparatus 110 is fitted to the chair 112, the chest straps 18, 20 extend over the top and around the sides of the back-rest portion 116. In this way, a user 72 can fit the chest straps 18, 20 into position while occupying the chair 112, as shown in Fig 11. In this embodiment, the attachment straps 118 and/or the webbing 120 provides the back-engaging member for applying a forwardly directed pressure to the user in the region of the thoracic and/or upper lumbar spine. This is necessary because the back-rest portion 116 of the chair 112 is not a construction which can satisfy this requirement. Referring now to Fig 12, there is shown a chair of a construction which incorporates an upper body support 130 according to a further embodiment. The chair 132 has a seat portion 134, a back-rest portion 136 and arm rests 138. The back-rest portion 136 provides a frame structure to which the chest straps 18, 20 are attached. The arm rests 138 support a back-engaging member 66 comprising a band of elasticised material 140 attached by extensions 142 to anchor posts 144 mounted on the arm rests 138. Another embodiment, which is not shown, is somewhat similar to the previous embodiment shown in Fig 12 except that the back-rest portion of the chair is of a construction which provides the back-engaging member. In other words, no separate back-engaging member is required. In the first and second embodiments shown in Figs 1 to 6, the upper body support apparatus is adapted to be worn on the body of a user. In each case, the frame structure 11 including longitudinal brace members 12, 14 is located on the back of the user and the arms 56 of the transverse brace member 16 projected forwardly. In another embodiment, which is not shown, the frame structure 11 may be adapted to be located on the front of the trunk of the user. With this arrangement, a rearwardly extending portion would be provided to carry the back-engaging member. From the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple yet highly effective upper body support apparatus which is relatively convenient to fit and use, and which has a variety of applications. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An upper body support apparatus comprising a frame structure having upper and lower end portions, and a pair of chest straps each attached at one end to the upper end portion of the frame structure and at the other end to the lower portion of the frame structure, the apparatus being adapted to be fitted to a user with the chest straps bearing against the front of the upper trunk region of the user to direct a rearwardly directed pressure thereto and to maintain the back of the user in contact with a back-engaging member. 2. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the back-engaging member forms part of the upper body supporting apparatus. 3. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the back-engaging member is mounted on the frame structure. 4. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the back-engaging member is separate from the apparatus. 5. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the back- engaging member is defined by part of a back rest of a seat on which the user may sit. 6. An upper body support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame structure comprises a pair of longitudinal brace members having upper and lower end portions to which the chest straps are attached. 7. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the longitudinal brace members are linked together. 8. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the longitudinal brace members are linked together by a transverse brace member extending between the longitudinal brace members and maintaining the longitudinal brace members in spaced apart relation. 9. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the transverse brace member includes the back engaging member. 10. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the longitudinal brace members are each held in position with respect to the transverse brace member in a flexibly resilient manner. 11. An upper body support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the back-engaging member is comprised of a flexibly resilient material. 12. An upper body support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a transverse strap releasably provided between the chest straps. 13. An upper body support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a chest pad on each chest strap for contacting the user at or about the chest region to thereby at least assist in maintaining the chest straps in position. 14. An upper body support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each pad may incorporate a grip means by which the user may grasp the pad while fitting or removing the chest strap. 15. An upper body support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an abdominal strap for strapping the frame structure to the lower trunk of the user. 16. A seat incorporating an upper body support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 17. A seat according to claim 16 wherein the seat has a back-rest portion defining the back-engaging member. 18. A seat according to claim 16 wherein the seat has a back-rest portion defining the frame structure. 19. An upper body support apparatus comprising a pair of longitudinal brace members having upper and lower ends, a transverse brace member, a pair of chest straps and a lower strap, the transverse brace member spacing apart the longitudinal brace members and having provided thereon a forwardly spaced back engaging member, the chest straps each extending between the upper and lower ends of either longitudinal brace member whereas the lower strap extends between the second ends thereof. 20. A method of relieving stress to a user's back or for correcting the posture thereof, wherein a rearwardly directed pressure is applied to the chest/shoulder and lower abdomen regions of the user whilst a forwardly directed pressure is applied to the thoracic and/or upper lumbar spine. 21. An upper body support apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: CHARTERS JOHN DUMERGUE, CHARTERS, JOHN, DUMERGUE
Applicants: CHARTERS JOHN D, CHARTERS, JOHN, DUMERGUE
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A61F5
IPC codes: A61F5