Abstract:
A chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system that offers support for an individual required to work leaning forward in an office style chair for a prolonged period of time. The device reduces the strain on the back by supporting the individual in the abdominal area of body. Adjustable elbow rests mount to the support belt structure to support the elbows and allow maximum movement of the arms while remaining in a fixed position with relation to the torso when a individual is leaning forward or twists to one side or the other doing delicate work. A single support belt structure is attachable to one or a plurality of chairs using fasteners, belts or a flexible support without removing the belt from the torso allowing easy traverse between multiple chairs in an office.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/079918, filed Mar. 14, 2005, and currently pending which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/681,453, filed Oct. 7, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,893,098. The contents of Applications Ser. No. 10/681,453 and Ser. No. 11/079918 are incorporated herein by reference and this application claims the benefit of the prior filings. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention pertains generally to support devices for seated persons. More particularly, the present invention pertains to devices for restraining a seated person while the person is leaning forward. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a chair having an integral torso support system for supporting a seated person leaning forward from the backrest portion of the chair.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     This new and unique chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system has been designed by a dentist who has suffered with back problems for years due to the many hours in the position of leaning and twisting over patients while doing precise and delicate work on their teeth. Holding up the arms for prolonged periods of time in this position creates further stress and tension on the upper back, shoulders and neck resulting in stinging pains in those areas. Conventional armrests on chairs often bump the patients in the head when the chair is moved too close and when you twist your body and lean, the armrest is no longer functional.  
         [0004]     A technical definition of the muscles of the spine consists of the muscles of the spine covered by more-superficial back muscles, such as the trapezius and latissimus dorsi. The spinal extensors, or erector spinae, include superficial and deep layers. The relatively superficial layer can be divided into spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis divisions. In the lower lumbar and sacral regions, the boundary between the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles becomes indistinct, and they are sometimes known as the sacrospinalis muscles. When contracting together, the erector spinae extend the spinal column. When the muscles on only one side contract, the spine is bent laterally.  
         [0005]     The spinalis muscles of the spine interconnect and stabilize the vertebrae. These muscles include the semispinalis muscles and the multifidus, interspinales, intertransversarii, and rotators. In various combinations, they produce slight extension or rotation of the spinal column. They are also important in making delicate adjustments in the positions of individual vertebrae, and they stabilize adjacent vertebrae. If injured or strained, these muscles can start a cycle of pain, muscle stimulation and contractions in the lower back. This cycle can lead to pressure on adjacent spinal nerves leading to sensory losses as well as limiting mobility.  
         [0006]     The large, superficial trapezius muscles cover the back and portions of the neck, reaching to the base of the skull. These muscles originate along the midline of the neck and back and insert on the clavicles and the scapular spines. The trapezius muscles are enervated by more than one nerve and specific regions can be made to contract independently. As a result, their actions are quite varied. The trapezius action depends on the active region and state of other muscles. They may elevate, retract, depress, or rotate scapula upward, elevate clavicle and also extend head and neck. In like manner, if injured or strained, these muscles can start a cycle of pain, muscle stimulation and contractions in the neck and shoulders.  
         [0007]     Many of the warm-up and stretching exercises recommended before athletic events are intended to prepare these very important muscles for their supporting role, but in many cases individuals are not in the position nor have the time to perform these vital exercises prior to working in these positions for a long period of time.  
         [0008]     Originally invented for dentists, this inventor has found that this new and unique device has many additional uses in related fields where physicians and surgeons are required to work over patients for prolonged periods of time. Additional fields where the device will find a great deal of use will include the support of the handicapped in a sitting position.  
         [0009]     In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a furniture article having an integral torso support system. It is another object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for supporting the torso of a seated person. Still another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods for supporting a person leaning forward from a chair. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a furniture article with a retractable torso support system. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a furniture article with a torso support system which is easy to use, relatively simple to implement, and comparatively cost effective.  
       REFERENCES CITED  
       [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,906 of David W. Harrold describes a back support belt having inflatable bladder members mounted on the inner surface of the belt to engage and support the lower back. A pump is further provided for inflating and deflating the bladder. The pump is integrally attached to the belt and includes a valve operable to permit inflation and deflation of the bladder and a conduit for fluid communication between die pump, valve and the bladder.  
         [0011]     This back support belt is to be used by an active person, not an individual in a sitting position, and having no attachment to the chair, it would not relieve the stress incurred when leaning forward in a sitting position.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,601 of Robert R. Harlow teaches of a lower back support device for use in applying force to the lumbar vertebrae of the human spinal column. The device has a support plate attached to a pair of inner bands for encircling the wearer&#39;s body to position the support plate. It also has a one-piece outer band which fastens to the outside of the inner band to pass the plate toward the back of the wearer.  
         [0013]     This is another back support belt that is to be used by an active person, not an individual in a sitting position, and having no attachment to the chair, it would not relieve the stress incurred when leaning forward in a sitting position.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,498 of George W. Watson discloses an elongated semi-flexible woven lumbar support belt that has a wide central support portion and a pair of inter-connectable opposite end portions which are significantly narrower than the central support portion. The central support portion is formed from webbing having a plurality of warp strands interwoven with a plurality of weft strands. The warp and weft strands, respectively, are fixedly attached to each other at angular junctions such that the stiffness of the webbing is greater than if the strands were not fixedly attached with each other at the angular junctions. The warp strands are spaced apart from each other and the weft strands likewise are spaced apart from each other to provide ventilation through the webbing.  
         [0015]     This is still another back support belt to be used by an active person, not an individual in a sitting position, and having no attachment to the chair, it would not relieve the stress incurred when leaning forward in a sitting position.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,620 of Joshua Danzger additionally describes a back support belt comprising a primary support belt including fasteners for fastening the same, generally at the frontal area of the waist of the wearer. A secondary tensioning belt comprising fasteners for fastening the same around the primary support belt generally at the frontal area of the waist of the wearer is provided. It includes back support belt color tensioning indicators on the secondary tensioning belt which are visible only from the rear and side areas of the waist of the wearer, and thus not by the wearer, and which are operable to indicate both when the back support belt is properly tensioned around the waist of the wearer and when the back support belt is not properly tensioned around the waist of the wearer. The back support belt color tensioning indicators are operable to indicate proper and improper tensioning of the support belt independently of the relationship between the size of the support belt and the waist size of the wearer to thus be virtually foolproof.  
         [0017]     This is still another back support belt that is to be used by an active person and not an individual in a sitting position, and having no attachment to the chair, it would not relieve the stress incurred when leaning forward in a sitting position.  
         [0018]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,383 of Randall J. Laco tells of a device for retaining the user in a substantially upright position when seated in a chair. The device consists of a bracket attached to the back of the chair having two distal ends extending laterally outward from the back support portion of the chair. Attached to these distal ends is an adjustable, padded strap that supports the abdomen of the person seated in the chair to prevent them from slouching or leaning forward. The strap extends perpendicular to the rear strut or frame of the chair to hold the user firmly in an upright position.  
         [0019]     This invention is intended to support an individual in an upright position by means of a padded strap that supports the abdomen. This device does not allow the individual to lean forward and does not supply any form of adjustable elbow supports.  
         [0020]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,606 of John C. Castell et al. describes a back brace for supporting the back of a wearer of the brace for preventing injuries and reinforcing proper lifting mechanics during lifting activities.  
         [0021]     This is still another back support belt that is to be used by an active person, not an individual in a sitting position, and having no attachment to the chair, it would not relieve the stress incurred when leaning forward in a sitting position.  
         [0022]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,530 of Harry Fisher et al. discloses a device for lumbar support for an office chair having a seatback including a seatback frame and a membrane stretched over the seatback frame. The device can be arranged behind the membrane and can be housed in the seatback frame to provide vertical and horizontal adjustment independent of the membrane. Preferably, the device includes a central part having two comparably rigid carrier elements connected to each other via an elastic element arranged there between the rigid carrier elements each including a guide track that can be arranged in the seatback frame to provide the vertical adjustment. A front pad includes a cushion attached to an upholstery plate, the upholstery plate facing the membrane. A rear part includes a plastic plate. The cushion and the plastic plate are connected via a clip connection, and the clip connection is guided in slots of the carrier elements.  
         [0023]     Although this device deals with the backrest of a conventional office chair and aids in the support of the lumbar area of the back, its purpose is achieved when the individual using the chair leans back against the backrest. It gives no support when leaning forward and does not offer the unique adjustable elbow rests.  
         [0024]     Consequently there exists a need for an apparatus which will support and relieve the stress of an individual leaning forward in a chair for a prolonged period of time. None of the foregoing prior art teaches or suggests the particular, unique features of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The scope of the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0026]     The preferred embodiment of this invention consists of a chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system that is attached to the chair rest by the means of one or more mounting straps. The preferred embodiment or simplest version of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system will have adjustable elbow rests attached to the support belt. The support belt structure is composed of a central reinforced back element held rigidly to the chair backrest. The left side element and right side element consist of semi-flexible material with substantial padding and conventional hook fastening surface and loop fastening surface in the front. The shape of the support belt structure can be straight on both edges or can be relieved in the area of the individual&#39;s thighs. Common plastic supporting stays may run in a horizontal direction or in a vertical direction within the supportive structure to maintain the basic shape of the device. The configuration of the adjustable elbow rests will vary from the angular design shown in the drawings to other convenient shapes including square. The adjustable elbow rests move up and down, along with making angular adjustments, so the individual has a stable resting platform for their elbows while doing delicate work while still giving a broad range of arm movement. The elbow rests relieve the stress on the trapezius muscles of the back and shoulders incurred when holding the arms up and doing precise and delicate work for a prolonged period of time.  
         [0027]     A second alternate embodiment of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system will have shoulder straps to relieve the pressure exerted on the adjustable elbow rests.  
         [0028]     A third alternate embodiment of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system will have an added torso support unit. The device will consist of a support belt structure having the central reinforced back element held to the chair backrest with a left side element and a right side element. The left side element and right side element consist of a semi-flexible material with substantial padding and a conventional hook fastening surface on the inside of each distal protruding end. The addition of the torso support unit allows for a greater adjustment of waist sizes of the individuals using the device. The torso support unit consists of a belt clasping at the back by the means of a side squeeze buckle. The frontal section of the torso support unit is comprised of a torso support with an elastic insert in the central lower section to relieve excessive pressure in the area of the groin while retaining the support in the area of the upper abdomen and rib cage. The torso support unit will have a loop fastening means on either side to match the hook-fastening surface on the insides of the left side element and the right side element. The adjustable elbow rests will attach to the sides of the left side element and the right side element as they do in the other embodiments of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system.  
         [0029]     An alternate embodiment of the adjustable elbow rest will pivot outwardly from the back. This alternate embodiment of the adjustable elbow rest has a mounting plate with a loop fastening surface on the back and the rest member pivoting outwardly from the back edge of the mounting plate by the means of the hinge mechanism. The left side of the adjustable elbow rest will be a mirror image of the right side. The hinge mechanism could be at the front of the adjustable elbow rest allowing the adjustable elbow rest to pivot from the front, or there could be a double hinge mechanism pivoting from both the front and back.  
         [0030]     All the embodiments of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system may be configured with a flexible support member between the chair backrest mounting straps and the support belt structure to give a cushioned resistance while giving a greater forward leaning mobility. Noticeably in this configuration, the adjustable armrests stay in a fixed relationship to the torso of the individual.  
         [0031]     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0032]     In another embodiment of the present invention, a furniture article having an integral torso support system is provided. In this embodiment, the furniture article includes a chair having a seat portion and a backrest portion. Further, the furniture article includes two flexible belt members that are mounted to the chair. Specifically, one end of each belt member is permanently attached to the chair&#39;s backrest portion. From the end fixed to the backrest portion, each belt member extends to a free end. Reciprocal coupling elements are attached to each belt member&#39;s free end. For example, a plurality of hooks can be positioned on the free end of one belt member for interaction with a plurality of loops that are attached to the free end of the other belt member. With this cooperation of structure, the coupling elements can be engaged to configure the belt members as a support for restraining the torso of a person while sitting on the seat portion of the chair as the person leans forward in a direction away from the backrest portion of the chair. Specifically, the belt members cross at or under the rib cage of the seated person to act as a torso support.  
         [0033]     In one implementation of the invention, the belt members are sewn onto the backrest portion of the chair. In another implementation of the invention, the belt members are connected to devices that retract the belt members into the backrest portion. Structurally, these retracting devices include capstans that are rotatably mounted within the backrest portion. An end of each belt member is fixed on the capstans so that rotation of the capstan causes the belt members to be retracted. With this arrangement, the belt members can be retracted into the backrest when not in use. When needed, the free ends of the belt members can be pulled to unwind the belt members from the retracting devices to extend from the backrest portion of the chair.  
       THE OBJECTS OF THIS INVENTION ARE  
       [0034]     The object of this invention is to create a means to support the back of an individual with relation to the backrest of the chair.  
         [0035]     Another object of this invention is to create a means to support the back of an individual required to lean directly forward, or lean forward and twist his body while sitting in a chair.  
         [0036]     Another object of this invention is to create a means to support an individual leaning forward in a chair with a uniform pressure over his abdominal muscles and rib cage.  
         [0037]     Another object of this invention is to create adjustable elbow rests rather than armrests to allow full movement of the arms while relieving the neck and shoulder strain of holding the arms up and doing delicate work in this position for prolonged periods of time.  
         [0038]     Yet another object of this invention is to create a means to attach adjustable elbow rests that stay in position relative to the body when an individual is required to twist or move his upper torso.  
         [0039]     A further object of this invention is to create a chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system that will fit any waist size of the individual using it and still give adequate support.  
         [0040]     Even still another object of this invention is to create a chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system that can be incorporated as an integral part of the backrests of conventional office chairs.  
         [0041]     A final object of this invention is to create a chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system that can be used not only by doctors and dentists but equally well by the handicapped or anyone required to lean forward in a chair for prolonged periods and requiring some support at the elbows.  
         [0042]     These together with other objects and advantages which become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.  
         [0043]     There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter and scope of the claims appended hereto. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0044]     The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:  
         [0045]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an individual sitting in a conventional office style chair leaning forward and twisting his upper torso using the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system with adjustable elbow rests;  
         [0046]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment or simplest version of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system with adjustable elbow rests exploded to the sides;  
         [0047]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system with the added shoulder straps;  
         [0048]      FIG. 4  depicts a flat pattern layout of the preferred embodiment of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system;  
         [0049]      FIG. 5  depicts a flat pattern layout of a second alternate embodiment of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system relieved on both sides in the area of the thighs;  
         [0050]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system with the added torso support unit and the adjustable elbow rests exploded to the sides;  
         [0051]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the adjustable elbow rests that will pivot outwardly;  
         [0052]      FIG. 8  depicts a side elevation of an individual sitting in a conventional office chair leaning forward with a flexible support between the chair and the preferred embodiment of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system;  
         [0053]      FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of an additional preferred embodiment of the disclosed device featuring a support plate to provide abdominal support;  
         [0054]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the support plate;  
         [0055]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the support plate;  
         [0056]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of the support plate showing a curved detent and slots as a means of attachment to the support belt;  
         [0057]      FIG. 13  is a smaller embodiment of the support plate;  
         [0058]      FIG. 14  depicts an additional preferred embodiment of the elbow support means which swivels to adjust for user positioning;  
         [0059]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which a furniture article is shown including an integral torso support system; and  
         [0060]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which a furniture article is shown including an integral torso support system that includes retractable belt members, with internal features shown in dashed lines for purposes of clarity. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0061]     Referring now to the drawings of  FIGS. 1-16 , wherein similar parts of the invention are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in  FIG. 1 a  perspective view of the disclosed device  10  in a first preferred embodiment of a system  10 A for back support showing an individual  12  sitting in a conventional office style chair  14  leaning forward and twisting his upper torso  16  using the system  10 A for chair mounted back support which as noted above is especially supportive of the lumbar and trapezius areas of the body. Also shown is the adjustable elbow rests  18 A attached to the backrest  20 . However, the device  10  is a substantial improvement in providing support to leaning workers without the elbow rest  18 A and though it would provide great utility and improvement in such support of leaning individuals  12  such as doctors and dentists, it functions best with it by allowing a support for the elbow giving the occupant a much steadier hand during procedures requiring dexterity.  
         [0062]     In the preferred embodiment of the device  10  shown, the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system  10 A is attached to the chair backrest  20  by the means of attachment communicating between the chair and the support belt structure  26 A which as shown features one or a plurality of mounting straps  22  secured to or around the chair  14 . The means of attachment to the chair, whether it be mounting straps  22  or some other means of attachment, can either be permanent or allow for easy attachment and removal and adjustment of the support belt  26 . In cases where the user moves from office to office and chair to chair, it is envisioned that the user would wear the support belt  26  continually and attach it to different chairs  14  in different locations using a separable fastener such as a buckle  24  which separates into two halves with the buckle  24  engaging any of a plurality of buckles  24  attached to different chairs  14 . This would allow the user to secure the support belt  26  on their person and then easily move from chair to chair with a simple engagement of the buckle  24  to the chair  14  at each stop. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , straps  22  are attached at their distal ends using a means for fastening such as the depicted side squeeze buckles  24  for a semi-permanent attachment to the chair  14  so that multiple users could use the same support belt  26  attached to an individual chair  14 . Of course, those skilled in the art will realize that numerous means of attachment of the different embodiments of the support system  10  herein described could be used as long as the support system is secured to the chair  14  during use which provides support against the leaning individual  12 , and any such permanent, semi-permanent, or removable means of attachment of the support belt  26  to the chair  14  for the desired permanent or temporary mount is anticipated.  
         [0063]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment and simplest version of the chair mounted support system  10 A with one or a plurality of adjustable elbow rests  18 A exploded to the sides. The support belt structure  26 A is composed of a central reinforced back element  27  that is held adjacent to the chair backrest  20  using a means of attachment thereto. The left side element  28  and right side element  30  consist of a semi-flexible material with substantial padding  31  and a means of adjustable attachment of the distal ends of the left side element  28  to the right side element  30  shown as conventional hook fastening surface  32  which engages loop fastening surface  34  in the front. Should extra support be desired, plastic supporting stays  33  may run in a horizontal direction or in a vertical direction within pockets  35  formed in the support belt structure  26 A. These stays  33  might be sewn in permanently or could be optionally provided in a kit of stays  33  to be inserted by the user if desired.  
         [0064]     As noted, the elbow rests  18  can be provided at one or both sides to provide support to the elbow and thus the arms of the user during use. The configuration of the adjustable elbow rests  18 A and  18 B may vary from the angular design shown in the drawings to other shapes including square and still remain within the scope of the invention. If the elbow rests  18  are not permanently mounted, they would be attached to the device  10  using a means of removable attachment to the support belt  26 . As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the elbow rests  18  are depicted as adjustable elbow rests  18 A which are shown attached to the support belt structure  26 A by the means of the hook fastening surface  32  and loop fastening surface  34  to allow means for vertical and horizontal and angular adjustment which is inherent when using hook and loop fabric fasteners for such attachments. Consequently, the device  10  provides the user with elbow support from the elbow rests  18  which when provided as removable adjustable elbow rests  18 A and  18 B can be easily adjusted to fit the body and working environment of every user. The fasteners attaching the elbow rests  18 A and  18 B to the support belt  26  would therefore provide one or a plurality of means for adjustment including a means for horizontal adjustment, a means for vertical adjustment, and a means for angular adjustment of the individual elbow rests  18 A and  18 B. While a removable mount with hook and loop fabric is the preferred means for attachment of the elbow rests  18 A and  18 B to the support belt  26  in its various embodiments, the adjustable elbow rests  18 A and  18 B could be mounted in fixed positions or with other attachment means such as snap style fasteners or brackets to the support belt structure  26 A and still remain within the scope of this invention. An optional elbow rest depression,  36  or a depression  36  that is temporarily formed in a viscoelastic temperature sensitive foam, may be added to the adjustable elbow rests  18 A for an especially comfortable support of the elbow of the individual using the device.  
         [0065]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the chair mounted support system  10 B with the added shoulder straps  38  and  40  attached by the means of the side squeeze buckles  24 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , these shoulder straps  38  and  40  can be attached at the front of the support belt structure  26 A and communicate to an attachment on the sides of the support belt structure  26 A or at the back to the straps  42  and  44 . Addition of the shoulder straps  38  and  40  would be an optional component that can be attached to relieve the downward pressure on the support belt structure  26 A when resting the elbows on the adjustable elbow rests  18 A or  18 B.  
         [0066]     This depicted embodiment of the chair mounted support system  10 B also retains the support belt structure  26 A that is composed of a central reinforced back element  27  to be held adjacent to the chair backrest  20  and the left side element  28  and the right side element  30  (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The left side element  28  and right side element  30  also consist of a semi-flexible material with substantial padding  31  and conventional hook fastening surface  32  engaging loop fastening surface  34  in the front.  
         [0067]      FIG. 4  depicts a flat pattern layout of the support belt structure  26 A of a separate preferred embodiment of the chair mounted system  10 A and  10 B while  FIG. 5  depicts a flat pattern layout of the support belt structure  26 B of the chair mounted support system  10 A and  10 B with the addition of a thigh relief  48  on both sides. Both of these support belt structures  26 A and  26 B are composed of a central reinforced back element  27  to be held to the chair backrest,  20  or other chair attached support used for attachment, and the left side element  28  and the right side element  30 . The left side element  28  and right side element  30  also consist of a semi-flexible material preferably with substantial padding  31  and an adjustable means to attach the distal ends of the side elements shown in the form of hook fastening surface  32  and loop fastening surface  34  in the front.  
         [0068]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the chair mounted support system  10 C with the added torso support unit  50  and the adjustable elbow supports  18 A exploded to the sides. This third alternate embodiment of the chair mounted support system  10 C will consist of a support belt structure  26 C having the central reinforced back element  27  held to the chair backrest  20  and the left side element  26 B and the right side element  30 B. The left side element  28 B and right side element  30 B also consist of a semi-flexible material preferably with substantial padding  31  and means to adjustably attach the distal ends of the side elements shown as conventional hook fastening surface  32  on the inside of each distal end.  
         [0069]     The addition of the torso support unit  50  allows for a greater adjustment of waist sizes of the individuals  12  using the device. The torso support unit consists of a belt  52  and a means of attachment of the belt  52  around the torso of a user shown as side squeeze buckles  24 . The frontal section of the torso support unit  50  is comprised of a torso support  54  attached at either side to the belt  52  with an elastic insert  56  in the central lower section to relieve excessive pressure in the area of the groin while retaining the support in the area of the rib cage. The torso support unit  50  will have a loop fastening surface  34  on either side to match the hook fastening, surface  32  on the insides of the distal ends of left side element  28 B and the right side element  30 B. The adjustable elbow rests  18 A and  18 B will attach to the sides of the left side element  28 B and the right side element  30 B as they do in the other embodiments of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system  10 A and  10 B. This embodiment would be especially useful for individuals with a larger waist or for those who need additional frontal torso support.  
         [0070]     All of the embodiments of the device  10  shown and described herein can be attached to the chair  14  using a tether. This tether can be a means of attachment that is substantially stable using mounting straps  22  which hold the support belt  26  immediately adjacent to the chair  20 , or should more forward movement be desired, a flexible support  46  can be added to the means of attachment of the support belt  26  to the chair  14 .  FIGS. 1 and 8  depict the attachment to the chair with the individual occupying the device  10 . In cases where the user needs to constantly lean forward, it may be more desirous to provide a strap  42  of a fixed length to match the distance of forward lean, or it might be desirable to provide a flexible support  46  which would provide a means of rearward bias to the support belt  26 . This would allow the user to lean forward with the added support of the flexible support  46 , thus aiding the user in their forward lean to help prevent injury of strain or exhaustion of the back muscles that leaning can cause.  
         [0071]     It therefore must be understood at this time that all the embodiments of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system  10 A,  10 B,  10 C, and  10 D, may be permanently or temporarily affixed to the chair  14  or any office style chair  14  either as an integral part of the chair  14 , or using an attachment to the chair  14  such as straps  22 , or using an elongated attachment such as strap  42 , or using a flexible support  46  or combinations thereof as the comfort of the user and the conditions of the work to be done require. Further, the adjustable elbow rests  18 A may be permanent or removable and optionally adjustable as to any of angle, horizontal position, vertical position, in any of the embodiments of the device as the use of the user may dictate.  
         [0072]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of the right side of an alternate embodiment of the adjustable elbow rest  18 B that will pivot outwardly from the back. This alternate embodiment of the adjustable elbow rests  18 B has a mounting plate  58  with the loop fastening surface  34  on the back and the rest member  60  pivoting outwardly from the back edge  62  of the mounting plate  56  by the means of the hinge mechanism  64 . The left side of the adjustable elbow rest  18 B will be a mirror image of the right side. The hinge mechanism  62  could be at the front of the adjustable elbow rest  18 B allowing the adjustable elbow rests  18 B to pivot from the front, or have a double hinge mechanism pivoting from both the front and back. Using this rotational engagement of the elbow rest  18 B with its mount to any of the support belts  26  would provide a means of adjustment of the distance of the elbow rest  18 B from the outside surface of the support belt  26  should the user need to place his elbow further from his side during use of the device  10 .  
         [0073]      FIG. 8  depicts a side elevation of an individual  12  sitting in a conventional office chair  14  leaning forward with a flexible support  46  between the chair backrest  20  and the embodiments of the chair mounted lumbar and trapezius support system  10 A,  10 B,  10 C, or  10 D. A separate set of chair backrest straps  66  or some other means of attachment of a fastener such as squeeze buckle  24  to the chair will be required to attach the flexible support  46  to the side squeeze buckle  24  on the strap  42 . This or any of the other means of attachment of the support belt  26  to the chair  14  can be used as the comfort of the user and the job dictate.  
         [0074]      FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of an additional preferred embodiment of the disclosed support system  10 D featuring a support plate  80  to provide abdominal support to the wearer similar to that of torso support  54 . However the support plate  80 A would be substantially rigid and, as shown in a top view in  FIG. 10  of the support plate  80 A, it would have a front surface  82  and a pad  84  attached to the opposite rear surface. As shown in  FIG. 11 , on the front surface  82  would be a means for adjustable attachment of the distal ends of the support belt to the front surface  82  of the support plate  80  shown in the form of hook or loop fabric  86  configured to operatively engage the opposite hook or loop fabric  88  on the inside of the distal ends of the support belt  26 .  FIG. 12  is a rear view of the support plate showing a curved detent and slots as a means of attachment to the support belt. This removable engagement using the hook and loop fastener fabric of the support plate  80  with the support belt  26  also allows a means for vertical and horizontal adjustment of the attachment of the support plate  80  to the support belt  26 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 12  shows an alternate embodiment of the support plate  80 B which has a protrusion  90  to allow for the anatomy of the user, and while it could mount to the support belt  26  much the same as support plate  80 A, it is shown configured for a mount that would not engage in a mount with the support belt  26  but would instead attach around the torso of the user using a belt  52  through slots  92  in a mount to the user similar to that of the torso support  54  in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 13  is a smaller embodiment of the support plate  80 b with a smaller protrusion  96 .  
         [0076]      FIG. 14  depicts an additional preferred embodiment of the elbow support means similar to that of  FIG. 7  in that it swivels on a hinge mechanism  64 , thereby providing a means for adjustment of the distance of the elbow rest depression from the side of the support belt  26 . This embodiment would provide a pad  70  made from a soft material such as rubber or foam and having a depression  36  formed therein to provide an elbow support.  
         [0077]      FIG. 15  shows a furniture article  110  in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the furniture article  110  includes a chair  112  having a substantially flat seat portion  114  and a backrest portion  116 . It can be further seen that a connector portion  118  is provided to connect the backrest portion  116  to the seat portion  114 . Continuing with  FIG. 15 , it can be seen that the furniture article  110  includes a belt member  120  that is permanently attached to the backrest portion  116 . Specifically, the end  122  of the belt member  120  is connected to a vertical side of the backrest portion  116 . The belt member  120  extends from the backrest portion  116  to an end  124 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the furniture article  110  further includes a belt member  126  that is substantially similar to the belt member  120 . As with the belt member  120 , the belt member  126  is permanently attached to the backrest portion  116 . Specifically, the end  128  of the belt member  120  is connected to a vertical side of the backrest portion  116 . Similarly to the belt member  120 , the belt member  126  extends from the backrest portion  116  to an end  130 .  
         [0078]     For the implementation shown in  FIG. 15 , the belt members  120  and  126  are made of a flexible material and are sewn onto the backrest  116  of the chair  112 . It can be seen that a plurality of hooks  132  is positioned on the belt member  120  near its end  124 . Further, a plurality of loops  134  is positioned on the belt member  126  near its end  130 . With this structure, the loops  134  can be engaged with the hooks  132  to configure the belt members  120  and  126  as a support for restraining the torso of a person (not shown) while sitting on the seat portion  114  of the chair  112  as the person leans forward in a direction away from the backrest portion  116  of the chair  112 . Cross-referencing  FIG. 15  with  FIG. 1 , it can be understood that, when connected to form the support, the belt members  120  and  126  are substantially parallel to the seat portion  114  of the chair  112 . Further, it can be understood that, when connected, the belt members  120  and  126  cross at or under the rib cage of the seated person.  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , an alternate embodiment of the furniture article  110  is shown in accordance with the present invention. Similar to the furniture article  110  of  FIG. 15 , the furniture article  110  in  FIG. 16  is shown including a chair  112  having a seat portion  114  and a backrest portion  116  that are connected together by a connector portion  118 . Continuing with  FIG. 16 , it can be seen that the furniture article  110  includes a belt member  120  that is permanently and retractably attached to the backrest portion  116 . Specifically, the end  122  of the belt member  120  is mounted on a retracting device  136  inside the backrest portion  116 . As shown, the retracting device  136  includes a capstan  138  rotatably mounted within the backrest portion  116 . The end  122  of the belt member  120  is mounted on the capstan  138  and the capstan  138  is tensioned to rotate. During rotation of the capstan  138 , the belt member  120  is wound up so that only the end  124  of the belt member  120  extends out from the backrest portion  116 .  
         [0080]     As further shown in  FIG. 16 , the furniture article  110  includes a belt member  126  that is substantially similar to the belt member  120 . As with the belt member  120 , the belt member  126  is permanently, and retractably, attached to the backrest portion  116 . Specifically, the end  128  of the belt member  126  is mounted on a retracting device  140  inside the backrest portion  116 . As shown, the retracting device  140  includes a capstan  142  rotatably mounted within the backrest portion  116 . The end  128  of the belt member  126  is mounted on the capstan  142  and the capstan  142  is tensioned to rotate. During rotation of the capstan  142 , the belt member  126  is wound up so that only the end  130  of the belt member  126  extends out from the backrest portion  116 .  
         [0081]     For the implementation shown in  FIG. 16 , the belt members  120  and  126  are made of a flexible material and include a plurality of hooks and a plurality of loops, respectively, to allow the belt members  120  and  126  to be configured to support the torso of a person (not shown) seated in the chair  112 . More specifically, the exposed ends  124 ,  130  of the belt members  120 ,  126  can be grasped and pulled so that the belt members  120 ,  126  are unwound from the capstans  138 ,  142 . Then the belt members  120 ,  126  are connected and configured to restrain and provide support to the torso of a seated person when the person leans forward, away from the backrest portion  116 .  
         [0082]     While the retracting devices  136 ,  140  are disclosed as including rotatable capstans  138 ,  142 , any type of means for retracting the belt members  120 ,  126  are contemplated for use within the scope of the invention.  
         [0083]     In a method of providing a user with the device  10 A for use on one, or in a professional office situation such as a dental office, for use on a plurality of chairs, to allow individual  12  to be restrained during a lean forward the steps would include, on at least one chair  14  having a seat portion with said front portion and a rear portion opposite said front portion, first providing a first attachment point at said rear portion of the chair  14  on the seat or backrest  20 , then providing a belt  26  to the individual  12  with the belt  26  having a center section in-between the two distal ends which are adapted to be engageable around said torso of the individual  12  using hook fabric  32  and loop fabric  34  or other means to engage the distal ends of the belt  26  around the individual  12 . Once so engaged, a tether is provided as a means of attachment of the center portion of the belt between the distal ends, to a rear of the chair  14  using a belt  26  or flexible support  46  or other tethers, and the tether is engaged between an attachment on the center portion of the belt  26  and an attachment point at the rear of the chair  14 . Once so engaged, thereafter the individual  12  is provided support during a lean forward by the belt  26  engaged to the tether. In a particularly preferred method of employing the device  10  in offices with multiple chairs  14  where the individual moves from chair to chair, such as a dental office, a plurality of first attachment points would be provided with one engaged to each of the plurality of chairs  14  intended for use in the office. Thereafter, with the belt  26  already engaged around the torso, the individual  12  can easily move from chair to chair and engage the tether to the first attachment point provided on the rear of each chair  14 . In this fashion, the belt  26  can remain fastened around the waist of the individual  12  and they can just move from chair to chair easily and be supported during each siting thereon.  
         [0084]     While the particular device with torso support system and corresponding methods of use as herein shown and disclosed in detail are fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that they are merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.