Patent Publication Number: US-2022235903-A1

Title: Body support device having locking leg

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/081,671, filed Oct. 27, 2020 (to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 11,306,869), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/011,199, filed Jun. 18, 2018 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,823,330), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/950,709, filed Nov. 24, 2015 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,001,246), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/085,214, filed Nov. 26, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/146,095, filed Apr. 10, 2015, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     People who work on their hands and knees often suffer great lower back, knee, and wrist pain from long hours of working in that position. Therefore, there exists a need for a support device for working on hands and knees for daily work and also for people recovering from an injury. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a body support device is provided. The body support device includes: a body attachment portion configured for attaching the body support device to a body of a user, wherein the body attachment portion has a first side and a second side, therein the first side is configured for coupling with the body of the user and wherein the second side is configured for facing away from the body of the user; a leg having an elongate body, a first end having a coupling interface configured for attachment with the second side of the body attachment portion and a second end extending from the body attachment portion, such that the leg is configured for hinged movement relative to the body attachment portion within a pivot range; and a locking assembly for locking the leg in a fixed position relative to the body attachment portion within the pivot range. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a body support device is provided. The body support device includes: a body attachment portion configured for attaching the body support device to a body of a user, wherein the body attachment portion has a first side and a second side, therein the first side is configured for coupling with the body of the user and wherein the second side is configured for facing away from the body of the user; and a leg assembly including a leg having an elongate body, a first end having a coupling interface configured for attachment with the second side of the body attachment portion and a second end extending from the body attachment portion, wherein the coupling interface includes at least a portion of a hinge assembly such that the leg is configured for movement within a pivot range, and a locking assembly for locking the leg in a fixed position relative to the body attachment portion within the pivot range. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of using a body support device is provided. The method includes: attaching a body attachment portion configured to the body of a user, wherein the body attachment portion has a first side and a second side, therein the first side is configured for coupling with the body of the user and wherein the second side is configured for facing away from the body of the user; positioning a leg in a fixed position relative to the body attachment portion, the leg having an elongate body, a first end having a coupling interface configured for attachment with the second side of the body attachment portion and a second end extending from the body attachment portion, such that the leg is configured for hinged movement relative to the body attachment portion within the pivot range; and locking the leg in the fixed position within the pivot range using a locking assembly. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the locking assembly may include a locking arm, the locking arm extending between the leg to a portion on the second side of the body attachment portion. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the locking arm may be configured to prevent pivoting movement of the elongate member relative to the body attachment portion. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the locking assembly may be adjustable for locking the leg in a plurality of fixed positions relative to the body attachment portion within the pivot range. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the locking assembly may be configured to lock when engaged by the user. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the locking assembly may be configured to release when disengaged by the user. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the body support device may further include a hinge assembly. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the hinge assembly may include a first hinging portion and a second hinging portion. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the second hinging portion may be configured for pivotal movement relative to the first hinging portion. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the second hinging portion may be coupled to the elongate member, such that the elongate member is configured for hinging movement between extended and retracted positions. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a user in an upright position and using a chest-mounted support device, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a side view of the user and the support device depicted in  FIG. 1 , with a leg of the support device extending out at an angle of about 90 degrees from vertical; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side view of the user and the support device depicted in  FIG. 1 , with a leg of the support device extending out at an angle of about 5 degrees from vertical; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the user and the support device depicted in  FIG. 1 , with the user in a kneeling position and the leg extending approximately perpendicular to a chest plate of the support device; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a front perspective view of the support device depicted in  FIG. 1  without the user; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a back perspective view of the support device depicted in  FIG. 1  without the user; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  depict partial views of the leg and a coupling mechanism of the support device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  depict an embodiment of coupling the leg to the chest plate of the support device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a front view of a front of the support device depicted in  FIG. 1  with the leg pointing at an angle of 0 degrees from vertical. 
         FIG. 12  depicts an embodiment of a leg carrying device configured to carry a detachable leg of a support device when the leg is detached from a chest plate; 
         FIGS. 13 to 18  depict an embodiment of a detachable leg with an angle stabilization mechanism that can be used with the embodiments of support devices described herein; and 
         FIGS. 19 to 20  depict an embodiment of a foot, usable with the embodiments of support devices described herein, that has a concave surface and a handle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a chest-mounted support device. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a chest-mounted support device  20  can be seen in  FIGS. 1-11 . The support device  20  includes a chest plate  22 , a body strap  24  configured to couple the chest plate  22  to a user U, and a leg  26  have a proximal end  30  and a distal end  32 . The proximal end  30  is coupled to the chest plate  22  and the distal end  32  is configured to extend outwardly from the chest plate  22  and the body of the user U. 
     The support device  20  is designed and configured to provide support of a user&#39;s upper body weight to alleviate stress and strain from the weight of the upper torso on the lower back, spine, knees, and muscles as well as evenly distributing body weight to at least three points when in a kneeling position: two knees and the chest (see  FIG. 4 ). The support device  20  also frees up both hands for working. The support device  20  can also be used in an upright position, for example, to gain support from a wall (see  FIG. 2 ). In general, the support device  20  helps alleviate the effects of unnatural weight loads on a user&#39;s body due to work or other demands. 
     The support device  20  may be used in any of a number of working applications including, but not limited to, flooring, painting, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, tile and masonry, mechanics, gardening, home and commercial cleaning, auto detailing, factory line work, agricultural work (e.g., harvesting), etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the chest plate  22  is a shield or plate having a first side  34  and a second side  36 . The first side  34  is designed for placement against the body of the user. The second side  36  is an outwardly extending side. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first side  34  may include a padding material to provide comfort to the user. In one example, the padding material includes closed cell, high density foam with a thickness in a range from about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches. The first side  34  may be ergonomically conformed to the user&#39;s body. For example, the first side  34  may be contoured to fit securing against the contours of a human body. Likewise, the second side  36  may also be contoured to have a substantially uniform thickness along the cross section of the chest portion. 
     The second side  36  may be configured from a rigid material to provide structure to the chest-mounted support device  20 . For example, the second side  36  may be configured from a rigid plastic or metal material. 
     The chest plate  22  is sized to provide body support to a user U, whether the user U is in a standing, angled, or full horizontal position. In the illustrated embodiment, the chest plate  22  is designed to extend across most of the width of a user&#39;s chest and to have a near center point aligned with the sternum of the user. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the chest plate  22  may be sized larger to provide additional body support for a user. For example, in a cement work application, the user U may want to rest his full body weight on the support device. In this application, a larger chest plate  22  may be advantageous. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the chest plate  22  and/or the padding material on the first side  34  of the chest plate us contoured based on a gender of a user (e.g., based on female anatomy or male anatomy). 
     The chest plate  22  may have a series of holes  38  extending through the first side  34  and the second side  36  to provide breathability and comfort for the user U. 
     A body attachment portion  28  attaches the chest plate  22  to the user&#39;s body. In the illustrated embodiment, the body attachment portion  28  includes a body strap  24  used to wrap around the user&#39;s torso and attach the chest plate  22  to the user&#39;s body. The body strap  24  may be a flexible fabric strap for comfort and ease of use. The body strap  24  may be configured to have an adjustable length. Such adjustment may be achieved by belt buckles, hook and loop fasteners, clamp-type fasteners, or any other suitable adjustment mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the body attachment portion  28  also includes a shoulder strap  40  used to provide additional stability of the chest plate  22  to the user&#39;s body. The chest plate  22  includes a hook fastener  80  and the body strap includes a plurality of loops  82 . The hook fastener  80  is configured to be fastened to one of the plurality of loops  82  at any given time. The user U may fasten the hook fastener  80  to a particular one of the plurality of loops  82  depending on the size of the user&#39;s chest. The shoulder strap  40  may carry little or no load during use of the support device  20 . However, the shoulder strap  40  can provide support to the support device  20  while the user is putting on the support device  20  and/or when the user is in a sitting position. 
     The body strap  24  is attached to the chest plate  22  by a strap attachment portion  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the strap attachment portion  42  includes two rods positioned outwardly from the second side  36  of the chest plate  22 . The rods are oriented substantially vertical when the user U is standing vertically (see  FIG. 2 ). One end of the body strap  24  slides between a first rod and the second side  36  of the chest plate  22 , wraps around the first rod, and is secured to another portion of the body strap  24 . The other end of the body strap  24  is secured around a second rod in similar fashion. The rods provide points of leverage that allow the body strap  24  to be pulled tightly to create a snug fit of the chest plate  22  against the user&#39;s body. The rods are positioned outwardly from the second side  36  of the chest plate  22  to provide leverage for the user when fitting the body strap  24  to the user&#39;s body. 
     Although the strap attachment portion  42  is shown as two rods, the strap attachment portion  42  may include just one rod. In such an embodiment, one end of the body strap  24  may be fixed to one side of the chest plate  22  and the other end of the body strap is capable of adjustment to the single rod on the other side of the chest plate  22 . Other embodiments of body attachment portions are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the body strap may be received in longitudinal slots extending through the chest plate. 
     The shoulder strap  40  may be used to help maintain the positioning of the chest plate  22  on the user&#39;s body. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the shoulder strap  40  is attached to the second side  36  of the chest plate  22  and the other end of the shoulder strap  40  is attached to the body strap  24 . In one embodiment, the point at which the shoulder strap  40  attached to the body strap  24  is adjustable along the length of the body strap  24  to accommodate users of different sizes. 
     In another embodiment of the body attachment portion  28 , one or more leg straps  86  may be used to further maintain the positioning of the chest plate  22  on the user&#39;s body. The one or more leg straps  86  are coupled to the chest plate  22  and/or the body strap  24  and extend around the tops of the user&#39;s legs. In one example, the one or more leg straps  86  are configured to transfer some or all of the load from the chest plate  22  to the user&#39;s legs. This arrangement can reduce the load on the user&#39;s spine and/or lower back. In another example, when a user is using the support device  20  in a horizontal position, the one or more leg straps  86  can act as a governor by pulling taught when the user leans forward a certain distance. The user can interpret the one or more leg straps  86  pulling taught as a warning that the user is getting too far forward over the support device  20  and return back to a safe position before the user falls forward over the top of the support device  20 . In another example, when a user is using the support device  20  in a standing position (e.g., when performing a standing assembly line job), most all of the load from a user is carried through the one or more leg straps  86 . In one particular example, when the user is leaning on a table and the user&#39;s foot touches the table, the load would be carried by the one or more leg straps  86 . 
     The leg  26  can be configured to extend outwardly from the chest plate  22  and, when worn by a user, from the body of the user U. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg  26  is a telescoping leg that permits the length of the leg  26  to be adjusted. However, the leg  26  could also have a fixed length. One benefit to the telescoping leg is that it permits the user U to adjust the length of the leg, as may be preferable depending on the particular use of the support device  20 . For example, the user U may prefer a one length of the leg  26  when standing vertically with the leg  26  against a wall (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) and a different length when positioned horizontally with the leg  26  braced against the ground. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the leg  26  has a coupling interface  44  configured to couple the leg  26  to the chest plate  22  and to permit the leg  26  to pivot when coupled to the chest plate  22 . In one embodiment, when the leg  26  is coupled to the chest plate  22  and the user U is standing vertically (see  FIG. 2 ), the coupling interface  44  permits the leg  26  to pivot about an axis that is substantially horizontal and substantially parallel to the chest plate  22 . In other words, the coupling interface  44  permits the leg  26  to pivot in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the chest plate  22 . 
     In one embodiment, the leg  26  is configured to pivot in a pivot range. In one embodiment, the pivot range is between 0 degrees from vertical (i.e., with the leg  26  pointed directly down when the user is standing vertically) and about 90 degrees from horizontal and about 90 degrees from vertical (i.e., the position shown in  FIG. 2  with the leg  26  substantially perpendicular to the chest plate  22 ). In another embodiment, the range is between about 5 degrees from vertical (i.e., the position shown in  FIG. 3  with the leg  26  not entirely vertical) and about 85 degrees from vertical. Stops, described in greater detail below, are used to control the pivot range of the leg  26 . During usage of the support device  20 , the hinged movement of the leg  26  to the chest plate  22  allows for some rocking motion of the leg  26  when it is supporting the user. Such rocking motion allows the user to move constantly while being supported by the leg. In one embodiment, the leg  26  is coupled to the chest plate  22  via a ball joint. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling interface  44  is configured such that leg  26  and/or the pivot axis between the leg  26  and the chest plate  22  are in particular locations. In one embodiment, the coupling interface  44  is configured such that the leg  26  is horizontally centered on the chest plate  22 . In another embodiment, the coupling interface  44  is configured such that the pivot axis is vertically centered on the chest plate. In yet another embodiment, the coupling interface  44  is configured such that the pivot axis is located vertically at a position between the center of the chest plate and three fourths of the distance from the bottom of the chest plate  22  to the top of the chest plate  22 . Locating the pivot axis vertically above the center of the chest plate  22  may help avoid the user in a kneeling position from falling face-first over the top of the leg  26 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling interface  44  includes a latchplate  46  that is configured to interact with a releasable buckle  48 . In one embodiment, the releasable buckle  48  is biased to an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), but is capable of being pushed back into the chest plate under certain conditions. For example, as the latchplate  46  is moved vertically upward into the releasable buckle  48 , the latchplate  46  may cause the releasable buckle  48  to retract until the latchplate  46  is above the releasable buckle  48 , at which point the releasable buckle  48  holds the latchplate  46  in place. In another embodiment, the releasable buckle  48  is similar to a seatbelt buckle that receives the latchplate  46 . Any number of other embodiments of releasable buckle  48  can be used. The releasable buckle  48  may include a release mechanism (e.g., a quick release mechanism) that, when activated, causes the releasable buckle  48  to retract and permits the latchplate  46  to be uncoupled from the releasable buckle  48 . In some embodiments, the user may use a single hand to release the latchplate  46  from the releasable buckle  48 . While the illustrated embodiment includes a latchplate  46  and a releasable buckle  48 , other coupling mechanisms are usable to releasably couple the leg  26  to the chest plate  22  and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the chest plate  22  incudes a latchplate stability component  50 . To couple the leg  26  to the chest plate  22 , the latchplate  46  is inserted through the latchplate stability component  50  until the latchplate  46  is coupled to the releasable buckle  48 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latchplate stability component  50  includes a channel through which the latchplate  46  is inserted (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). In another embodiment, the latchplate stability component  50  includes a series of slots or a series of slots and channels through which the latchplate  46  is inserted. The latchplate stability component  50  provides lateral stability to the leg  26  when coupled to the chest plate  22  to prevent movement and/or rotation of the leg  26  (aside from any intended pivoting of the leg  26  in the pivot range). 
     In some embodiments, the chest plate  22  and the latchplate stability component  50  are made from rigid materials, such as a metal material, a hard plastic material, and/or a composite material. In some embodiments, the latchplate stability component  50  is fixedly attached to the chest plate  22 . For example, in the case where the chest plate  22  and the latchplate stability component  50  are made from metal materials, the latchplate stability component  50  may be welded to the chest plate  22 . In some embodiments, the latchplate stability component  50  is integrally formed with the chest plate  22 . For example, in the case where the chest plate  22  and the latchplate stability component  50  are made from moldable plastic and/or composite materials, latchplate stability component  50  can be formed with the chest plate  22 . In some embodiments, the latchplate stability component  50  is removably attached to the chest plate  22 . For example, the latchplate stability component  50  may be attached to the chest plate  22  using fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the latchplate  46  is inserted into the channel of the latchplate stability component  50  vertically and the channel provides a hard stop for the upward vertical movement of the latchplate  46 . This hard stop acts as a safety feature as any accidental or unintended retraction of the buckle  48  will merely allow the leg  26  to fall downward out of the chestplate. In other configurations, such as where the latchplate  46  is configured to be inserted downwardly vertical into the latchplate stability component  50 , the accidental or unintended retraction of the buckle  48  allows the leg  26  to slide upwardly and hit the upper chest or face area of the user. With the force exerted by the user&#39;s body on the leg  26 , such an accidental or unintended movement of the leg  26  upward could cause serious injury or death to the user. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling interface  44  also includes a bumper  52  that acts as a stop. The bumper  52  is configured to prevent the leg  26  from rotating outside of the pivot range. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the bumper  52  is configured to contact a portion of the coupling interface  44  at a particular point of rotation of the coupling interface  44 . In one example, the contact between the bumper  52  and the latchplate  46  defines the lowest point at which the leg  26  can rotate (e.g., the point depicted in  FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, when the user U is standing vertically, the bumper  52  can prevent the leg  26  from rotating down until the leg  26  is vertical. Preventing the leg  26  from rotating down until the leg  26  is vertical can help ensure that the leg  26  does not contact the lower body of the user U, thus avoiding injury to the lower body of the user U. 
     The bumper  52  can also provide the ability for the user U to quickly push out (or “shoot”) the leg  26 . From the position depicted in  FIG. 3 , the user U may move to push the chest plate  22  out quickly. The interaction of the bumper  52  on the portion of the coupling interface  44  coupled to the leg  26  causes the leg  26  to quickly shoot out. As the leg  26  shoots out, the user U may move such that the distal end  32  or the foot  54  touches a surface (e.g., a wall or the ground) at a desired position. This ability to shoot the leg  26  adds to the safety of the support device  20  because the user U can quickly set the leg  26  if necessary and it adds to the convenience of the support device  26  because it reduces the amount of time to set up the support device  20 . In some embodiments, the bumper  52  is configured from a rigid material (e.g., a metal material or a hard plastic material) or a semi-rigid material (e.g., an elastomeric material). In some embodiments, the user is able to feel the point at which the leg  26  hits the bumper  52  and the bumper  52  acts as a predictable governor for the user. In some embodiments, when the user is working horizontally, the bumper  52  provides a resistance point that helps a user prevent the user&#39;s face from hitting ground. 
     In another embodiment, the proximal end  30  of the leg  26  may be configured to contact a stop  56  on the chest support device to prevent the leg  26  from rotating higher than the pivot range. For example, when the leg  26  is substantially perpendicular to the chest plate  22  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), the proximal end  30  of the leg  26  can contact the stop  56  and prevent the leg  26  from rotating any further. Preventing the leg  26  from rotating beyond the horizontal position shown in  FIG. 2  can help ensure that the leg  26  does not contact the upper body of the user U, thus avoiding injury to the upper body of the user U. In one embodiment, the stop  56  is formed as a part of the chest plate  22  and/or the latchplate stability component  50 . In another embodiment, the stop  56  is formed from a rigid material, such as a metal material or a hard plastic material. 
     In some embodiments, the support device  20  also includes a foot  54  attached to the distal end  32  of the leg  26 . The foot  54  can be configured from a semi-rigid material, such as rubber, that protects the distal end  32  of the leg  26  and resists movement of the distal end  32  of the leg  26  against a surface (e.g., a wall or the ground). In the illustrated embodiment, the foot  54  is substantially larger than the distal end  32  of the leg  26 . Such an embodiment can distribute the force exerted by the user&#39;s weight over a large area and protect both the leg  26  and the surface against which the foot  54  is in contact. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the foot  54  is concave, allowing the foot  54  to roll somewhat against a surface as the user U adjusts the user&#39;s position and/or weight distribution. In another embodiment that is not depicted, the foot  54  is similar in size to the distal end  32  of the leg  26 . For example, the foot  54  can be similar in size to the foot of a crutch or cane. In some embodiments, the diameter of the foot is in a range from about 1 inch (e.g., about the size of a crutch foot) to about 8 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter of the foot is about 4 inches or about 6 inches. In another embodiment, as depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the foot  54  has a concave surface  72 . A concave surface  72  may be advantageous in certain circumstances, such as when the foot  54  is placed against a soft surface, such as semi-cured cement. Such a concave surface  72  may minimize any marks or cavities in the finished concrete. In one example, the convex surface of the foot  54  has a plurality of holes  74 . The plurality of holes  74  allow air to pass in and out of the convex area of the foot  54  such that area between the foot  54  and the surface does not have negative pressure (i.e., to prevent the convex area of the foot  54  from acting as a suction cup). In the illustrated embodiment, the foot  54  includes a handle  84 . The handle  84  allows the user to twist the foot  54  as it is being lifted up from a surface to further prevent a negative pressure suction. The handle  84  also provides the user with a leverage point to hold while the user is working (e.g., while the user is finishing concrete in the position depicted in  FIG. 4 ). The handle  84  also allows the user to hold the entire detachable leg when the detachable leg is uncoupled from the chest plate. 
     In some embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the foot  54  is fixed to the leg  26  such that any rotation of the leg  26  will cause a corresponding rotation of the foot  54 . In another embodiment, the foot  54  is coupled to the distal end  32  of the leg  26  via a hinge or joint, such as a ball joint  76 . Such a hinge or joint may give the user U a greater range of motion while using the support device  20 . However, the greater range of motion may also result in less stability. The range of motion allowed by the hinge or joint may be limited (e.g., using stops to limit the range of possible angles of the hinge or joint) to give better stability than with unlimited range of motion. 
     One benefit of the ability to decouple the leg  26  from the chest plate  22  is that the user U can remove the leg  26  from the chest plate  22  without having to remove the entire support device  20 . For example, the user U may use the support device  20  at one location and then move to another location to use the support device  20 . It may be desirable to move from one location to another without the leg  26  attached to the user&#39;s chest. However, it may also be desirable not to remove the chest plate  22  from the user&#39;s chest merely to move from one location to another. In such a case, the user may remove the leg  26  from the chest plate  22  at the first location, move to the second location with the chest plate  22  still attached to the user&#39;s chest, and then couple the leg  26  to the chest plate  22  at the second location. 
     Another example of a benefit of a leg  26  that decouples from the chest plate  22  is that multiple different legs may be used with the same chest plate  22 . For example, the user may prefer a particular characteristic of the leg  26  when performing one type of work (e.g., finishing concrete) and a different characteristic of the leg  26  when performing another type of work (e.g., laying tile). A characteristic of the leg  26  can be one or more of a specific length of the leg  26 , a particular foot  54  on the distal end  32  of the leg, a particular pivot range of the foot  54  with respect to the leg  26 , and so forth. The user may have a different leg for different types of work that the user performs and use the different legs with the same chest plate  22  interchangeably. Thus, the user can use the same chest plate  22  and couple different legs to the chest plate  22  depending on the type of work that the user will be performing. A user can couple one leg to the chest plate  22  to perform one task, decouple that leg from the chest plate  22 , and couple another leg to the chest plate  22  to perform another task. The ability to continue wearing the same chest plate  22  when switching legs and/or types of work can save time and add to the overall convenience of the support device  20  to the user. 
       FIG. 12  depicts an embodiment of a leg carrying device  58  that can be used to carry the leg  26  when it is removed from the chest plate  22 . The leg carrying device  58  is configured to receive a knob  60  located on the leg  26 . The knob  60  can be inserted through a channel in the leg carrying device  58 . The leg carrying device  58  permits the leg  26  to rotate about the knob  60 . This provides a natural movement of the leg  26  when the user is performing certain activities, such as walking. The leg carrying device  58  can optionally include a buckle mechanism that prevents unintended removal of the leg  26  from the leg carrying device. The buckle mechanism also prevents unintended damage as a result of the leg  26  being unintentionally removed from the buckle mechanism, such preventing damage to work areas (e.g., airplane floors during assembly), preventing the leg  26  from falling from high locations (e.g., from hitting people or equipment when the user is working at heights), or preventing any other type of damage that could be caused by the leg  26  being loose. 
     In another example, the user U may use the leg  26  for support against a wall, but then need to perform other work that does not benefit from use of the leg  26 . In this case, the user may remove the leg  26  from the chest plate  22  and couple the leg  26  to the leg carrying device  58  while performing the work that does not benefit from use of the leg  26 . The user U can continue to wear the chest plate  22  while performing the other work and then later couple the leg  26  back to the chest plate  22  when the user U again desires to use the leg  26 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 13-18 , the leg  26  includes an angle stabilization mechanism  62  configured to limit or prevent pivoting of the leg  26  with respect to the chest plate  22 . The angle stabilization mechanism  62  includes a latchplate  64  hingedly coupled to the chest plate  22  and a channel  66  fixed to the leg  26 . In some embodiments, the latchplate  64  includes a number of latch points  68 . In the illustrated embodiments, the latch points  68  are in the form of three holes in the latchplate  64 . In one embodiment, the channel  66  includes a releasable buckle  70  that is configured to selectively engage one of the latch points  68 . 
     In one example of operation of the angle stabilization mechanism  62 , latchplate  46  is slid from the point shown in  FIG. 13  into the latchplate stability component  50  until the latchplate  46  is coupled to the releasable buckle  48  in the point shown in  FIG. 14 . The latchplate  64  and the leg  26  are then rotated from the point depicted in  FIG. 14  to the point depicted in  FIG. 15 . The latchplate  64  is too long to be inserted into channel  66  until it reaches the point depicted in  FIG. 15 . At that point, the latchplate  64  is capable of being inserted into the channel  66 . 
     With the latchplate  64  inserted into the channel  66 , the latchplate  64  and the leg  26  are rotated back to the point depicted in  FIG. 16  where the releasable buckle  70  engages a first latch point  68  on the latchplate  64 . The engagement of the releasable buckle  70  and the first latch point  68  substantially prevents rotation of the leg  26  with respect to the chest plate  22 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the leg  26  is substantially perpendicular to the chest plate  22 . 
     In the case where the latchplate  64  includes multiple latch points  68 , as in the illustrated embodiment, the releasable buckle  70  can be disengaged from the first latch point  68  and the latchplate  64  and the leg  26  can be further rotated to the point depicted in  FIG. 17  where the releasable buckle  70  engages a second latch point  68  on the latchplate  64 . The engagement of the releasable buckle  70  and the second latch point  68  substantially prevents rotation of the leg  26  with respect to the chest plate  22 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , the leg  26  is not perpendicular to the chest plate  22 . In one example, in the arrangement shown in  FIG. 17 , the leg  26  is an angle of about 55 degrees with respect to the chest plate. The releasable buckle  70  can then be disengaged from the second latch point  68  and the latchplate  64  and the leg  26  can be further rotated to the point depicted in  FIG. 18  where the releasable buckle  70  engages a third latch point  68  on the latchplate  64 . The engagement of the releasable buckle  70  and the third latch point  68  substantially prevents rotation of the leg  26  with respect to the chest plate  22 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 , the leg  26  is not perpendicular to the chest plate  22 . In one example, in the arrangement shown in  FIG. 17 , the leg  26  is at an angle of about 20 degrees with respect to the chest plate. 
     In one embodiment, the leg  26  in  FIG. 18  is at an angle of about 60 degrees from vertical. In another embodiment, the angle stabilization mechanism  62  is configured to fix the leg  26  with respect to the chest plate  22  at one or more positions having an angle in the range from about 20 degrees to about 90 degrees from vertical in a single plane perpendicular to the chest plate  22 . 
     Other embodiments of angle stabilization mechanisms, beyond the angle stabilization mechanism  62  depicted in  FIGS. 14-18 , can be used to limit or prevent pivoting of the leg  26  with respect to the chest plate  22 . 
     As described above, the leg  26  may pivot with respect to each of the chest plate  22  and the foot  54 . In some embodiments, the leg  26  may pivot freely (e.g., in the case of a ball joint or a hinge without stops) or rotation of the leg  26  may be limited (e.g., with the use of stops). As also described above, rotational movements of the leg  26  may be fixed with respect to each of the chest plate  22  and the foot  54  (e.g., with a fixed foot or with the use of an angle stabilization mechanism). During use of the support device  20 , and combination of pivoting and/or fixed ends of the leg  26  are possible. In one example, the proximal end  30  of the leg  26  is fixed with respect to the chest plate  22  and the distal end  32  of the leg  26  is fixed with respect to the foot  54 . In another example, the proximal end  30  of the leg  26  is pivotable with respect to the chest plate  22  and the distal end  32  of the leg  26  is fixed with respect to the foot  54 . In another example, the proximal end  30  of the leg  26  is fixed with respect to the chest plate  22  and the distal end  32  of the leg  26  is pivotable with respect to the foot  54 . In yet another example, the proximal end  30  of the leg  26  is pivotable with respect to the chest plate  22  and the distal end  32  of the leg  26  is pivotable with respect to the foot  54 . 
     While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The detailed description set forth herein in connection with the drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.