Abstract:
An adjustable spine pressure relief apparatus. The apparatus can include a back support assembly, the back support assembly including a back brace reinforced with a stiffener, an adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly including a first sliding member coupled to the back support assembly, and a second sliding member slideably engaged with the first sliding member, and a mounting assembly coupled to the second sliding member, the mounting assembly including a plurality of mounting members for attaching the mounting assembly to a portion of a vehicle seat.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/658,514, filed Jun. 12, 2012, and entitled SPINE PRESSURE RELIEVER, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    When individuals are in a seated position for extended periods of time, they can develop issues with the spine, such as lower back pain. For example, truck drivers spend many consecutive hours seated behind the wheel, and surveys have shown that a significant percentages of people treated by chiropractors for lower back pain is composed of truck drivers. Varying the amount and location of pressure on the back can mitigate the negative effects of extended sedentary positions. However, many vehicles do not provide such features, and the use of loose objects such as pillows can be uncomfortable and distracting to the driver. A solution that allows for easy mitigation of sedentary symptoms is therefore desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an adjustable spine pressure relief apparatus may be disclosed. The adjustable spine pressure relief apparatus can include a back support assembly for engaging a portion of a spine of a user, and an adjustment assembly, coupled to the back support assembly and attachable to a vehicle seat, the adjustment assembly adapted to vary the vertical position of the back support assembly in relation to the vehicle seat. 
         [0004]    According to another exemplary embodiment, the adjustable spine pressure relief apparatus can include a back support assembly, the back support assembly including a back brace reinforced with a stiffener, an adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly including a first sliding member coupled to the back support assembly, and a second sliding member slideably engaged with the first sliding member, and a mounting assembly coupled to the second sliding member, the mounting assembly including a plurality of mounting members for attaching the mounting assembly to a portion of a vehicle seat. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0005]    Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a back support assembly of an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus coupled to a portion of a vehicle seat. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3   a  is an exploded view of an armrest for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3   b  is an top view of a stationary rail of an armrest for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3   c  is an side view of an arm support of an armrest for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3   d  is a front view of an arm support of an armrest for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4   a  is an exploded view of an adjustment assembly for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4   b  is an top view of an outer slide of an adjustment assembly for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4   c  is an top view of an inner slide of an adjustment assembly for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4   d  is a rear view of an inner slide of an adjustment assembly for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a mounting assembly for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6   a - 6   b  show an adjustment assembly coupled to a mounting assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7   a  shows a upper belt cover and a lower belt cover for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7   b  shows another view of an upper belt cover for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7   c  is a top view of an upper belt cover for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7   d  is a side view of an upper belt cover for an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 8   a - 8   b  show the belt covers coupled to an adjustment assembly and a mounting assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  shows the adjustment assembly and a mounting assembly as attached to a headrest of a vehicle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows. 
         [0025]    As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration,” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. 
         [0026]    According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an adjustable spine pressure relief apparatus is disclosed. Apparatus  100  may be adapted to attach to a portion of an automobile seat, such as the seatback or the headrest of the automobile seat. The spine pressure relief apparatus may further facilitate supporting portions of a user&#39;s body when the user is sitting in the automobile seat. Various portions of the spine pressure relief apparatus may be adjustable so as to provide the user with desired support and comfort. The various portions of the apparatus may further be provided with padding to facilitate user comfort. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a spine pressure relief apparatus  100 . The spine relief apparatus  100  may include a back support assembly  102 , a pair of armrests  120 , an adjustment assembly  154 , and a mounting assembly  156 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the back support assembly  102  may include a lumbar back brace  104 . The lumbar back brace  104  may be, for example, may be the adjustable lumbar back brace manufactured by Mueller Sport Care, or any similar lumbar back brace that enables apparatus  100  to function as described herein. Back brace  104  can have a back portion  106   a  and a pair of side portions  106   b  extending from the back portion in a substantially U-shaped configuration. Defined in back portion  106   a  may be a plurality of apertures  108   a,  while defined in each side portion  106   b  may also be a plurality of apertures  108   b.    
         [0029]    Back brace  104  may be reinforced by the provision of a stiffener  110 . Stiffener  110  may be substantially U-shaped and may be formed from a metal such as steel, or any other suitable material. In an exemplary embodiment, stiffener  104  may have a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches and a height of approximately 6.0 inches. Similar to back brace  104 , stiffener  110  can have a back portion  112   a  and a pair of side portions  112   b  extending from the back portion in a substantially U-shaped configuration. Defined in back portion  112   a  may be a plurality of apertures  114   a,  while defined in each side portion  112   b  may also be a plurality of apertures  114   b.    
         [0030]    The stiffener  110  may be enclosed by the back brace  104  can reinforce the back support assembly  102  so as to facilitate coupling armrests  120  and adjustment assembly  150  to the back support assembly  102 . Stiffener  110  may be positioned within back brace  104  such that apertures  108   a  are aligned with apertures  114   a,  and apertures  108   b  are aligned with apertures  114   b.    
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 3   a,  armrests  120  may include a stationary rail  122 , a slideable rail  132 , and an arm support  144 . Stationary rail  122  may be coupled to a side portion of back support assembly  102 , and slideable rail  130  may be slideably received within stationary rail  122 . The arm support  140  can adjustably couple the upper portion of slideable rail  130 . 
         [0032]    Stationary rail  122  may be formed from a metal such as steel, from plastic, or from any other suitable material. A top view of stationary rail  122  is shown in  FIG. 3   b.  The stationary rail  122  can define a central channel  124  and a pair of guide slots  126  disposed laterally to and extending along the central channel  124 . In an exemplary embodiment, stationary rail  122  may have a height of about 10 inches, and a width of about 1.65 inches, while central channel  124  can have a depth of about 0.38 inches, and each guide slot  126  can have a depth of about 0.13 inches. 
         [0033]    A plurality of coupling apertures  128  can be defined in a lower portion of stationary rail  122 . The coupling apertures  128  can facilitate the coupling between armrest  120  and back support assembly  102 . This coupling can be accomplished by aligning the coupling apertures  128  of armrest  120  with any desired apertures  108   b,    112   b,  and inserting any desired fasteners into the apertures. A plurality of adjustment apertures  130  can be defined in an upper portion of stationary rail.  122 . The adjustment apertures  130  can facilitate maintaining a desired position of slideable rail  132  with respect to stationary rail  122 . 
         [0034]    Slideable rail  132  may be formed from a metal such as steel, from plastic, or from any other suitable material. The slideable rail  132  can include a vertically elongated portion  134  and a horizontally elongated portion  136  coupled to an upper end of the vertically elongated portion  134 . The vertically elongated portion  134  can further include a pair of flanges  138  disposed laterally to and extending along the vertically elongated portion  134 . Vertically elongated portion  134  can be sized to be received within channel  124  of stationary rail  122 , while flanges  138  may be sized to be received within guide slots  126  of stationary rail  122 . In an exemplary embodiment, slideable rail  132  can have a height of about 13.34 inches, with the width of vertically elongated portion being about 1.53 inches, and the width of horizontally elongated portion  136  being about 4.29 inches. Furthermore, the thickness of vertically elongated portion  134  may be about 0.25 inches, with the thickness of flanges  138  being about 0.13 inches. 
         [0035]    An vertical adjustment aperture  140  may be defined in vertically elongated portion  134 . The adjustment aperture  140  can facilitate positioning slideable rail  132  with respect to stationary rail  122 , by aligning aperture  140  with any desired aperture  130  of stationary rail  122 . The position of the slideable rail  132  can then be maintained in place by any known fastener, for example a spring loaded button received through apertures  130 ,  140 , or any other structure known to one skilled in the art. 
         [0036]    An armrest coupling aperture  142  may be defined in horizontally elongated portion  136 . As shown in  FIGS. 3   c - 3   d,  arm support  144  can include an armrest portion  146 , a pair of flanges  148  extending downwardly from arm support portion  146  and defining a channel  150  therebetween, and a plurality of armrest positioning apertures  152  defined in each flange  148 . In an exemplary embodiment, arm support  144  can have a length of about 5.91 inches, and a height of about 2.06 inches, while each flange  148  may have a width of about 0.09 inches and channel  150  may have a width of about 0.14 inches. 
         [0037]    The horizontally elongated portion  136  of slideable rail  132  can be received within channel  150  of the arm support  144 . The armrest coupling aperture  142  can then be aligned with any desired pair of armrest positioning apertures  152 , allowing the position of arm support  144  to be adjusted with respect to slideable rail  132 . The position of the arm support  144  can then be maintained in place by any known fastener. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d,  an exemplary adjustment assembly  154  can include an inner slide  168  and an outer slide  158 , with inner slide  168  being slideably received within outer slide  158 . The adjustment assembly  154  can couple to a mounting assembly  156  via a T-plate  180 . 
         [0039]    Outer slide may be formed from a metal such as steel, from plastic, or from any other suitable material. A top view of outer slide  158  is shown in  FIG. 4   b.  The outer slide  158  can define a central channel  160  and a pair of guide slots  162  disposed laterally to and extending along the central channel  160 . In an exemplary embodiment, outer slide  158  may have a height of about 15 inches, and a width of about 6.20 inches, while central channel  160  can have a depth of about 0.51 inches, and each guide slot  164  can have a depth of about 0.25 inches. 
         [0040]    A plurality of coupling apertures  164  can be defined in a lower portion of outer slide  158 . The coupling apertures  164  can facilitate the coupling between adjustment assembly  154  and back support assembly  102 . This coupling can be accomplished by aligning the coupling apertures  164  of outer slide  158  with any desired apertures  108   a,    112   a,  and inserting any desired fasteners into the apertures. Additionally, a plurality of positioning apertures  166  can be defined in an upper portion of outer slide  158 . The positioning apertures  166  can facilitate maintaining a desired position of inner slide  168  with respect to outer slide  158 . 
         [0041]    Inner slide  168  may be formed from a metal such as steel, from plastic, or from any other suitable material. As shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   c - 4   d,  the inner slide  168  can include a vertically elongated portion  170  and a pair of transverse arms  172  coupled to a coupled to a first surface of the vertically elongated portion  170 . Each transverse arm  172  can include an aperture  174  defined in each end thereof. A slide wheel  176  may be coupleable to each end of an arm  172  by insertion of a wheel axle  178  thru aperture  174  and coupling of the wheel axle  178  to the slide wheel  176 . 
         [0042]    Vertically elongated portion  170  can be sized to be received within channel  160  of outer slide  150 , while the ends of arms  172  as well as wheels  176  may be sized to be received within guide slots  162  outer slide  158 . When inner slide  168  is received within outer slide  158 , wheels  176  can engage the walls of guide slots  162  so as facilitate smooth slideable movement of slides  158 .  168  with respect to each other. Vertically elongated portion  170  can further include a pair of spring loaded buttons  179  disposed on the first surface thereof. The spring-loaded buttons  179  can engage positioning apertures  166  so as to facilitate maintaining inner slide  168  at a desired positing. The spring-loaded buttons  179  can further have a chamfered edge so as to allow the buttons to easily disengage from apertures  166  when inner slide  168  is moved by the user. 
         [0043]    In an exemplary embodiment, vertically elongated portion  170  can have a height of about 20 inches and a width of about 3 inches. Transverse arms  172  can have a height of about 0.80 inches, a length of about 5.75 inches, and a thickness of about 0.13 inches. 
         [0044]    Coupled to an upper end of vertically elongated portion  170  may be a connecting T-piece  180 . T-piece  180  may be substantially T-shaped, with the post thereof being coupled to vertically elongated portion  170 . Coupling may be facilitated by fasteners, rivets, or any other manner of coupling known in the art. The upper portion of T-piece  180  can include a pair of arms  182  extending laterally outward in the plane of T-piece  180 . Each arm  182  may include a horizontally elongated slot  184  defined therein. 
         [0045]    T-plate  180  can serve to couple adjustment assembly  154  to mounting assembly  156 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the mounting assembly  156  can include a pair of first mounting brackets  186 , a pair of second mounting brackets  194 , and a motor mount  198 . A a motor  206  may be coupled to motor mount  198 . 
         [0046]    Coupled to each horizontal slot  184  of T-piece  180  may be a first mounting bracket  186 . The first mounting bracket  185  may be substantially L-shaped. The lower, vertically extending portion of first mounting bracket  186  may couple to T-piece  180  by way of fasteners received thru apertures  188  defined in the vertically extending portion first mounting bracket  186  and through slots  184  of T-piece  180 . The elongated configuration of slots  184  can allow the position of first mounting brackets  186  to be adjusted with respect to T-piece  180  and to each other. Defined in the upper, horizontally extending portion of first mounting bracket  186  may be an elongated slot  190  and a pair of apertures  192 . 
         [0047]    Coupled to first, mounting bracket  185  via apertures  192  may be a second mounting bracket  194 . The second mounting bracket  194  may be substantially L-shaped. Defined in the upper, horizontally extending portion of second mounting bracket  194  may be a pair of elongated slots  196 . The upper, horizontally extending portion of second mounting bracket  194  may couple to first mounting bracket  186  by way of fasteners received thru apertures  192  defined in the horizontally extending portion of first mounting bracket  186  and through slots  196  of second mounting bracket  194 . The elongated configuration of slots  196  can allow the position of the second mounting brackets  194  to be adjusted with respect to first mounting bracket  186 . 
         [0048]    Coupled to first mounting brackets  186  via slots  190  may be a motor mount  198 . The motor mount  198  can include a lower, horizontally extending plate  202  and a vertically extending plate  204 . Defined in the lower plate  202  may be a plurality of elongated slots  200 . The motor mount can couple first mounting brackets  186  by way of fasteners received through slots  200  of the motor mount and slots  190  of the first mounting brackets  186 . The elongated configurations of slots  190  and  200  can allow the position of motor mount  198  to be adjusted with respect to first mounting brackets  186 . A plurality of apertures may be defined in the vertically extending plate  204  for coupling motor  206 , upper pulley  208 , and upper belt cover  226  to the motor mount  198 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 6   a - 6   b  show adjustment assembly  154  coupled to mounting assembly  156 . A motor  206  may be coupled to vertically extending plate  204  of motor mount  198 . Motor  206  may drive an upper pulley  208  disposed on an opposite face of the vertically extending plate  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, upper pulley  208  may be a 16 tooth, 1.019 pitch diameter pulley adapted for a 0.156 pitch belt. 
         [0050]    Coupled to a bottom portion of outer slide  158  may be a pulley mount plate  210 . Rotatably coupled to the pulley mount plate  210  may be a lower pulley  212 . In an exemplary embodiment, lower pulley  212  may be a 32 tooth, 2.037 pitch diameter pulley adapted for a 0.156 pitch belt. 
         [0051]    Lower pulley  212  may be substantially vertically aligned with upper pulley  208 , and may be operatively coupled thereto by a belt  234 . A first end of belt  234  may be fixedly coupled to upper pulley  208 . Coupled to T-piece  180 , or alternatively, to an upper portion of inner slide  168  may be a belt holder mount  214 . Coupled to the holder guide mount  214  may be a belt holder  216 , which may be L-shaped. A second end of belt  234  may be fixedly coupled to belt holder  216 . Consequently, the operation of motor  206  can serve to vertically displace outer slide  158  in relation to inner slide  168 . Furthermore, since apparatus  100  can be attached to a headrest of an vehicle via second mounting brackets  194  and first mounting brackets  186  of mounting assembly  156 , and as back support assembly  102  is coupled to outer slide  158 , the operation of motor  206  can raise and lower the back support assembly  102  and armrests  120  with respect to the seat of the vehicle. 
         [0052]    The belt, as well as portions of adjustment assembly  154  and mounting assembly  156  may be enclosed by an upper belt cover  226  and a lower belt cover  218 , which are shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   d.  The lower belt cover can have a U-shaped central portion  220  and a pair of flanges  222  disposed laterally to and extending along the central portion  220 . The flanges  222  can serve to couple lower belt cover  218  to outer slide  158 . A cutout  224  may be provided in each flange to receive a portion of pulley mount plate  210 . In an exemplary embodiment, lower belt cover  218  can have a height of approximately 15 inches, a width of approximately 6.2 inches, and a depth of approximately 1.28 inches. 
         [0053]    The upper belt cover  226  can include two pairs of opposing sidewalls enclosing a hollow cavity. The upper belt cover  226  can further include a lower cutout  228 , an upper cutout  230  and flanges  232 . Lower cutout  228  may be sized so as to slideably receive a portion of central portion  220  of lower belt cover  218  therein. Flanges  232  can couple to the vertically extending plate  204  of motor mount  198 , and upper cutout  230  can allow the belt to access the upper pulley  208 .  FIGS. 8   a - 8   b  show an exemplary adjustment assembly  154  with upper belt cover  226  and lower belt cover  218  coupled thereto so as to enclose the belt  234  and portions of the adjustment assembly  154  and mounting assembly  156 . 
         [0054]    Portions of spine pressure relief apparatus  100  may be provided with padding so as to provide a comfortable contact surface for the user. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , mounting assembly  156  may be covered with a mounting assembly cover pad  236 . The mounting assembly cover pad  236  can serve to enclose to components of mounting assembly  156 , as well as to provide a soft or resilient surface to support the head and neck of the user. The surface of outer slide  158  that is facing the user can be covered by a back pad  238 , so as to provide a soft and resilient surface to contact the neck and upper back of the user. Each armrest portion  146  can he provided with an armrest pad  240 , so as to provide a soft and resilient surface to support the arms of the user. Finally, second mounting brackets  160  can include second mounting bracket pads  242 , so as to provide soft and resilient surfaces in the event of contact between the second mounting brackets and an individual. The pads  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242  may be formed from high-density foam and covered in vinyl, or may be formed from any material that enables apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
         [0055]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , apparatus  100  can further include switch assembly  246 , which can include a switch  248  disposed within a housing  250 . Switch  248  may be operatively coupled to motor  206 . Switch  248  may be recessed within the housing so as to facilitate avoiding accidental activation of the motor. Switch  248  may be, for example, a three way rocker switch, allowing the user to activate the motor in a first direction, or a second direction. Releasing the switch can cease operation of the motor. Switch assembly  246  may be operatively connected to motor  206  in any known manner, for example via a cable. Housing  250  can further include a clip  252 , allowing the user to affix the switch assembly to a seat belt or to any other suitable structure. 
         [0056]    In some exemplary embodiments, electrical power may be provided to apparatus via a standard lighter socket adapter. Apparatus  100  may therefore be adapted to operate on 12-volt direct current sourced from the electrical system of the vehicle. In other exemplary embodiments, apparatus  100  may include batteries in lieu of or in addition to the lighter socket adapter. 
         [0057]    The adjustability of the positions first mounting brackets  186 , second mounting brackets  194 , and motor mount  198  can allow apparatus  100  to be coupled to a variety of seats and headrests. In operation, the user may loosen the fasteners connecting components  186 ,  194  and  198  to each other, as well as the fasteners connecting first mounting brackets  186  to T-piece  180 . The user can then adjust the spacing of components  186 ,  194  and  198  by use of the elongated slots defined therein, thereby allowing a seat portion of desired size to be received therebetween. The adjustment assembly  254  is shown coupled to a headrest  10  of a vehicle in  FIG. 9 . Alternatively, components  186 ,  194 , and  198  may be adjusted such that the spacing therebetween is suitable to receive an upper back portion of a vehicle seat. 
         [0058]    Once apparatus  100  is coupled to a vehicle seat, the user may connect apparatus  100  to electrical power and operate the motor so as to place back brace assembly  102  in a comfortable position relative to the user&#39;s back. The user may further adjust the horizontal and vertical positions of armrests  120  to a comfortable position. Electric operation can allow the user to easily vary the position of the back support assembly  102 , and thereby adjust the amount and position of pressure on the user&#39;s spine. Apparatus  100  can thus provide relief for back pain or other discomfort when the user spends an extended time in a vehicle seat. Once apparatus  100  is put in place and adjusted as desired, the apparatus can significantly reduce the subjection of the spine to pressure resulting from sitting. 
         [0059]    The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0060]    Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.