Abstract:
A back support device is disclosed that comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting a lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting a thoracic region of a body, and a connecting member for connecting the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion, simultaneously, with a cervical portion housing a surface to support the cervical spine and the connecting member of the thoracic portion to simultaneously sort the body in a recline position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    The present disclosure relates to a folding chair, and in particular, a folding chair that anchors to an angled surface while providing a horizontal seat position for the user. 
         [0004]    This disclosure relates to a back support device, and more particularly, to a device that is capable of supporting the thoracic, lumbar, and cervical regions of the spine. 
         [0005]    Back pain and discomfort due to extended periods of time sitting is a common problem. One reason for the onset of back pain is due to the design of chairs or seats. Most chairs are not properly designed to support a person&#39;s back over an extended period of time. Even chairs that are designed to support a person&#39;s back are only able to support a particular area of the back. For example, a chair or seat may have a built-in a lumbar support, but there may not be any support for the thoracic or cervical regions. In order to alleviate or prevent back pain, a back support, a pillow, or a towel typically may be used while a user is sitting in a chair or a seat. However, such devices have not proven to be useful or acceptable in alleviations or preventions of pain. In particular, such back supports do not adequately support all regions of the back. 
         [0006]    When pillows or towels are employed, care must be taken to properly position the pillows or towels. Also, once a person moves, the pillows or towels must be repositioned because the pillows or towels tend to move. Further, such devices tend to aggravate another portion of the back when attempting to alleviate pain in a specific portion of the back. Additionally, such back support devices are difficult to use on different shaped seats, chairs, couches, or beds. 
         [0007]    Back pain may also result from an injury such as whiplash. In this particular injury, it is important to be able to relax the spinal muscles so that the vertebral motion can stabilize when a person is sitting to alleviate pain and to help the back heal faster by being more relaxed between office treatments. As can be appreciated, there remains a need for a back support device that provides support for the back, the thoracic and cervical regions of the spine for every age group, body build and fitness level. This need further requires a device that will normalize the posture curves with each use. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is desirable and advantageous to provide a back support device that is easy to position and use. The present disclosure is designed to overcome the shortcomings and disadvantages associated with prior back supports by providing a back support device that is capable of supporting the thoracic, lumbar, and cervical regions of the spine. In particular, the present disclosure may be easily utilized to support the back and may be used on different chairs, seats, couches, or beds. This improves the posture curves and slows degradation of spinal stress which results in osteoarthritis degeneration. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0009]    In one form of the present disclosure, a back support device comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting the lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting the thoracic region of a body, and a connecting member for connecting the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine simultaneously into the posture “T” core position simultaneously, with a cervical portion having a surface to support the cervical spine and the connecting member into the hollow space of the thoracic portion to simultaneously sort the body in a reclined position 
         [0010]    In another form of the present disclosure, a back support device comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting the lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting the thoracic region of a body, a connecting member for connecting the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine when the connecting member inserts into the thoracic portion. The connecting member is adjustable with respect to at least the thoracic portion to accommodate all body sizes and to accommodate custom sizing. 
         [0011]    In yet another form of the present disclosure, a back support device comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting the lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting the thoracic region of the body and a hollow opening, wherein a connecting member inserts within the hollow member of the thoracic portion for connecting the lumbar portion (core posture “T” position) and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine. The back support device further comprises a cervical insert having a cervical portion for supporting the cervical region of the body portion. 
         [0012]    In light of the foregoing, it will be recognized that of the present disclosure provides a back support device that is capable of supporting the thoracic, lumbar, and cervical regions of the spine of the back. The back support device may be used in a seated position or a reclining position. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a back support device that positions a user in a proper sitting posture, using a posture “T” core position. Another application is using the device for reclined positions such as for support in couch and bed uses. 
         [0013]    The back support device comprises a simple construction and design and that can be easily employed with highly reliable results, regardless of chair back design and body shape/size of the user. Furthermore, the back support device is adjustable in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical regions relating to small sized individuals to larger individuals. 
         [0014]    In one form, the back support device may be constructed from lightweight and inexpensive materials. 
         [0015]    These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a back support device constructed according to the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the back support device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a back support device constructed according to the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the back support device shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the back support device with the cervical insert removed; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the back support device with the cervical insert removed; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an adjustment member for the lumbar portion of the back support device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the back support device with the adjustment member for the lumbar portion being attached; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an adjustment member for the thoracic portion of the back support device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the back support device shown in  FIG. 6  with the adjustment member for the thoracic portion being attached; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an adjustment member for the cervical insert of the back support device shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the back support device shown in  FIG. 3  with the adjustment member for the cervical insert being attached; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device shown in  FIG. 3  on a person sitting in a chair; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device on a person sitting upright in a chair wherein support to the mid back is maintained in any chair position; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device on a person reclining in a chair. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number  10  identifies an embodiment of a back support device constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the back support device  10  is shown comprising a lumbar portion  12  having a connecting member or rod  14  connected to a thoracic portion  16 . The lumbar portion  12  is generally circular in shape and has a surface  18  that is adapted to support a lumbar region of a back of a user. The lumbar portion  12  may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape whenever pressure is exerted against it. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The cushion material is relatively lightweight which allows the device  10  to be easily positioned or moved. The lumbar portion  12  may also have a covering over the cushion material. Some examples of a covering are fabric, vinyl, or leather. The thoracic portion  16  is also generally circular in shape and has a surface  20  that is adapted to support a thoracic portion of a back of a user. The thoracic portion  16  may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape under the weight of a user. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The thoracic portion  16  may also have a covering over the cushion material. The rod  14  may be composed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. The rod  14  aligns the lumbar portion  12  with the thoracic portion  16 . 
         [0032]    The lumbar portion  12  has a diameter  22  and the thoracic portion  16  has a diameter  24 . The diameter  22  is larger than the diameter  24 . The diameter  24  of the thoracic portion  16  is chosen for the surface  20  to contact a spine in the thoracic region of the back. The diameter  22  is large enough to support the lumbar portion of the back. 
         [0033]    With reference now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , another preferred embodiment of a back support device  50  is shown. The back support device  50  comprises a lumbar portion  52  having a connecting member or rod  54  connected to a thoracic portion  56 . The device  50  also has an adjustable cervical insert  58  that is adapted to be mounted in the thoracic portion  56 . The cervical insert  58  comprises a cervical portion  60  and a connecting member or rod  62 . The connecting member  62  may be composed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. The connecting member  62  is used to align the cervical portion  60  with the thoracic portion  56 . The connecting member  62  is capable of removeably fitting into the thoracic portion  56 , as will be described more fully herein. As such, the thoracic portion  56  includes a core. In one embodiment, the cervical portion may also include a core. The cervical portion  60  is generally circular in shape and has a surface  64  that is adapted to support a neck or cervical region of a person or user of the device  50 . The cervical portion  60  may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape when the neck of a user is pressed against the cervical portion  60 . Further, the cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material that is also lightweight. The cervical portion  60  may also have a covering over the cushion material. 
         [0034]    The lumbar portion  52  is generally circular in shape and has a surface  66  that is adapted to support a lumbar region of a back of a user. The lumbar portion  52  may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape whenever pressure is exerted against it. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The cushion material is relatively lightweight which allows the device  50  to be easily positioned or moved. The lumbar portion  52  may also have a covering over the cushion material. Again, some examples of a covering are fabric, vinyl, or leather. The thoracic portion  56  is also generally circular in shape and has a surface  68  that is adapted to support a thoracic portion of a back of a user. The thoracic portion  56  may be constructed of a resilient cushion material that is capable of retaining its shape under the weight of a user. The cushion material may be composed of urethane foam or other suitable durable resilient material. The thoracic portion  56  may also have a covering over the cushion material. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  depicts the cervical insert  58  being removed from the thoracic portion  56  of the back support device  50 . The thoracic portion  56  has a hollow opening or tube portion  70  that is sized and shaped to receive the connecting member  62  of the insert  58 . Although not shown, it is contemplated and possible for the connecting member  62  and the tube  70  to have a locking or adjusting mechanism for adjusting the height of the cervical portion  60  relative to the thoracic portion  56 . In this manner, the cervical portion  60  may be adjusted to any desired height. With particular reference now to  FIG. 6 , a top view of the device  50  with the insert  58  being removed is shown. The hollow portion  70  has an opening  72  at a top  74  of the thoracic portion  56 . The opening  72  is large enough to accept the connecting member  62  of the insert  58 . 
         [0036]    With particular reference now to  FIG. 7 , an adjustment or attachment device  100  is illustrated that is used to increase the thickness of the lumbar portions  12  or  52  of the devices  10  or  50 , respectively. The attachment  100  comprises a generally rectangular shape having a pair of semi-circular shaped cutouts  102  and  104 . The cutouts  102  and  104  are used to fit around the connecting members  14  or  54 . The attachment  100  has an upper edge  106  and a lower edge  108 . Although not shown, the edges  106  and  108  may have a zipper, hook and loop attaching means, snaps, or other attaching means for holding or securing the attachment  100  around the lumbar portions  12  and  52 . The attachment  100  may be constructed from material that is similar to the material that the lumbar portions  12  and  52  are constructed. Additionally, the attachment  100  may have a fabric cover.  FIG. 8  shows the attachment  100  being connected around the lumbar portion  12  of the device  10 . The attachment  100  has a thickness  110  that is used to increase the diameter  22  of the lumbar portion  12 . It is also possible and contemplated that additional attachment devices that are longer than the attachment device  100  may be used to make the lumbar portions  12  and  52  thicker or to any desired thickness. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 9 and 10  depict an adjustment or attachment device  150  that is suitable for use on the thoracic portions  16  and  56  of the devices  10  and  50 , respectively. The attachment  100  comprises a generally rectangular shape having a left side edge  152  and a right side edge  154 . The attachment  150  also has a strip of hook and loop fastening means  156  on a front side  158  and another strip of hook and loop fastening means  160  on a backside  162 . As can be appreciated, the attachment  150  may be held together by other attachment devices such as a zipper, hooks, snaps, or other suitable attaching means for holding or securing the attachment  150  around the thoracic portions  16  and  56 . The attachment  150  may be constructed from material that is similar to the material that the thoracic portions  16  and  56  are constructed. Additionally, the attachment  150  may have a fabric cover.  FIG. 10  shows the attachment  150  being connected around the thoracic portion  16  of the device  50 . The attachment  150  has a thickness  164  that is used to increase the thickness of the thoracic portion  16 . It is also possible and contemplated that additional attachment devices that are wider than the attachment device  150  may be used to make the thoracic portions  16  and  56  thicker. In this manner, any required thickness may be achieved. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , an adjustment or attachment device  200  that is used to increase the thickness of the cervical insert  58  of the device  50  is shown. The attachment device  200  comprises a generally rectangular shape having a pair of semi-circular shaped cutouts  202  and  204 . The cutouts  202  and  204  are employed to fit around the connecting member  62  of the cervical insert  58 . The attachment device  200  has a left side edge  206  and a right side edge  208  with the cutout  202  being on the left side edge  206  and the cutout  204  being on the right side edge  208 . The attachment device  200  also has a front side  210  and a backside  212 . The right side edge  208  has a strip of hook and loop fastening means  214  attached to the front side  210 . Although not shown, the backside  212  has a strip of hook and loop fastening means for securing the edges  206  and  208  together. As has been indicated previously, the attachment device  200  may have other devices for securing the edges  206  and  208  together for example a zipper, hooks, or snaps may be used for holding or securing the attachment  200  around the cervical portion  60  of the insert  58 . The attachment  200  may be constructed from material that is similar to the material that the cervical portion  60  is constructed. Additionally, the attachment  200  may have a fabric cover.  FIG. 12  shows the attachment  200  being connected around the cervical portion  60  of the device  50 . The attachment  200  has a thickness  216  that is used to increase the thickness of the cervical portion  60 . It is also possible and contemplated that additional attachment devices that are longer than the attachment device  200  may be used to make the cervical portion  60  thicker. 
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating use of the back support device  50  on a person  250  sitting in a chair  252 . The lumbar portion  52  is positioned against a lumbar region  254  of the person  250 . The thoracic portion  56  is positioned against a thoracic region  256  of the person  250 . Also, the adjustable cervical insert  58  has the cervical portion  60  pressed against a neck region  258  of the person  250 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating use of the back support  12  on a person  260  sitting in a chair  262 . The lumbar portion  18  is positioned against a lumbar region  264  of the person  260 . The thoracic portion  20  is positioned against a thoracic region  266  of the person  260 . As shown, the support of the mid back will be maintained in any chair position. Further, the gravity line through the earlobe and the pelvis is maintained while the person  260  maintains and supports a posture “T” core position. 
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating use of the back support  50  on a person  268  sitting in a chair  270  in a reclining position. The lumbar portion  52  is positioned against a lumbar region  272  of the person. The thoracic portion  56  is positioned against a thoracic region  274  of the person. Also, the cervical insert  58  has the cervical portion  60  pressed against a neck region  276  of the person. As shown, the cervical insert  58  directly supports the cervical spine without a pillow support. 
         [0042]    The support device of the present disclosure will result in immediate change to the structure of the spine, and during repetitive usage and with continuing exercise of breathing will create muscle tone for improvement of postural curves between treatment applications. This usage results in immediate response to carpal tunnel syndrome, arm numbness, low back pain, leg numbness, disc injuries and degeneration by effecting the posture curves and normalizing body weight when sitting, driving or laying. 
         [0043]    From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a back support device which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the back support device are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.