Patent Publication Number: US-2023141821-A1

Title: Back support device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/277,799 filed Nov. 10, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to back support devices. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to adjustable back support devices for supporting a lower back region of an individual in a seated position. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many activities require participants to be seated in an upright position for an extended length of time without rigid back support. Examples of recreational activities which require an individual to be seated for extended periods of time include canoeing, fishing, hunting, boating, sports spectatorship, etc. Other activities such as working at a computer and/or traveling may also require an individual to be seated in an upright position for extended periods of time. In some cases, chairs and/or seating used and/or provided for such activities may be uncomfortable and/or offer inadequate back support, particularly for the lower back. Many people find sitting with little or no back support to be very uncomfortable or even painful, in some cases distracting from their participation in and/or enjoyment of these activities. Such discomfort may also cause the individual to reduce the amount of time they spend engaged in those activities. For example, during some activities, frequent stops and/or periods of standing may be required because of discomfort to the lower back. The frequency and severity of discomfort may be increased or exacerbated due to improper posture and/or a weak back structure. 
     A number of different back support devices have been developed which provide support to a user&#39;s lower back when seated. The ability to easily adjust these devices to provide a desired fit or to accommodate for variations in body size is often limited, however, preventing the user from comfortably wearing the device for extended periods of time. In some designs, for example, the back support device may not permit the user to adjust the size of the device in order to give the user a more relaxed fit and/or to improve body posture. In such case, the inability to adjust the device may limit its use. In some designs, the back support device may fall off of the user upon standing or may dangle in a way that interferes with comfortable standing or walking. A need therefore exists for back support devices that can be easily used and/or stored during use when a user needs to stand or walk. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one example, a back support device for supporting a lower back of a user may comprise an elastic strap, a first clasping element attached to a first end of the elastic strap, a second clasping element slidably disposed over the elastic strap and configured to releasably engage the first clasping element to form a continuous loop, and a buckle element secured to a second end of the elastic strap. The buckle element may be slidably disposed on a medial portion of the elastic strap for adjusting a perimeter length of the continuous loop. The continuous loop may be movable between a first position in which the continuous loop has a first perimeter length and a second position in which the continuous loop has a second perimeter length via elastic elongation. The first perimeter length may be less than the second perimeter length. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, in the first position the continuous loop may be secured around a torso of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso of the user and in the second position the continuous loop extends around the lower back of the user and at least one knee of the user in a seated position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, in the second position the continuous loop may extend around the lower back of the user and two knees of the user. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the first clasping element may include a non-elastic flap. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the second clasping element may include a closed loop. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the first clasping element may be configured to extend through the closed loop of the second clasping element and fold back on itself to form the continuous loop. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the first clasping element may be configured to releasably secure to itself. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the medial portion of the elastic strap may extend through the buckle element. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, a method of supporting a lower back of a user may comprise: positioning an elastic strap around a torso of the user, the elastic strap including a first end and a second end, the second end being secured to a buckle element slidably disposed on a medial portion of the elastic strap; releasably securing a first clasping element attached to the first end of the elastic strap to a second clasping element slidably disposed over the elastic strap to form a continuous loop around the torso of the user; sliding the buckle element along the medial portion of the elastic strap to secure the continuous loop around the torso of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso of the user in a first position, wherein the continuous loop has a first perimeter length in the first position; and moving the continuous loop from the first position to a second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back of the user and at least one knee of the user in a seated position, wherein the elastic strap elastically elongates from the first position to the second position such that in the second position the continuous loop has a second perimeter length greater than the first perimeter length. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the buckle element may include a first end member, a second end member, a first side member extending from the first end member to the second end member, a second side member extending from the first end member to the second end member, and a central member disposed between the first side member and the second side member, the central member extending from the first end member to the second end member. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the second end of the elastic strap may be fixedly secured to the central member and the medial portion of the elastic strap may extend between the first side member and the central member and the medial portion of the elastic strap may extend between the second side member and the central member. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the method may comprise moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position without any adjustment other than elastic contraction. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the continuous loop may radially constrict upon the torso of the user in the first position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the method may comprise sliding the buckle element along the medial portion of the elastic strap in the first position to change a radially inward force exerted by the continuous loop against the lower back of the user in the second position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, a back support device for supporting a lower back of a user may comprise an elongate piece of elastic material, a first clasping element attached to a first end of the elongate piece of elastic material, a buckle element secured to a second end of the elongate piece of elastic material, and a second clasping element slidably disposed over the elongate piece of elastic material and configured to releasably engage the first clasping element. A medial portion of the elongate piece of elastic material may pass through the buckle element such that the buckle element is disposed at a buckle position along the medial portion. The second clasping element may be slidably disposed over the elongate piece of elastic material between the second end of the elongate piece of elastic material and the buckle position. The back support device may be movable, without changing the buckle position, between a first position in which the back support device forms a continuous loop extending around and elastically constricting upon a torso of the user and a second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back of the user and at least one knee of the user in a seated position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the continuous loop may have a first perimeter length in the first position and a second perimeter length in the second position, the second perimeter length being greater than the first perimeter length. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the back support device may be movable between the first position and the second position only via elasticity of the elongate piece of elastic material. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the first clasping element may include an aperture extending therethrough and a projecting element fixedly attached thereto, wherein the projecting element may be configured to extend through the aperture to secure the first clasping element to itself when the first clasping element is engaged with the second clasping element to form the continuous loop. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the first clasping element may comprise leather and the projecting element may be a metal stud. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the elongate piece of elastic material may include a first layer and a second layer, wherein at least a portion of the first clasping element may extend between the first layer and the second layer of the elongate piece of elastic material. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, a back support device for supporting a lower back of a user may comprise an elastic strap, a first clasping element attached to a first end of the elastic strap, a first buckle element secured to a second end of the elastic strap and slidably disposed over a medial portion of the elastic strap, a second buckle element slidably disposed over the elastic strap and configured to releasably engage the first clasping element to form a continuous loop, and a third buckle element slidably disposed over the elastic strap between the first buckle element and the second buckle element. A plurality of segments of the elastic strap may be defined by the first buckle element, the second buckle element, and the third buckle element, and the plurality of segments circumferentially overlap between the first buckle element and the second buckle element. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the plurality of segments includes a first segment extending between the first buckle element and the second buckle element, a second segment extending between the second buckle element and the third buckle element, a third segment extending between the third buckle element and the second buckle element, a fourth segment extending between the second buckle element and the third buckle element, and a fifth segment extending between the third buckle element and the first buckle element. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the first segment is disposed radially outward of all other segments of the plurality of segments. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the second segment is disposed radially inward of the first segment, the third segment is disposed radially inward of the second segment, and the fourth segment is disposed radially inward of the third segment. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the continuous loop is to movable between a first position in which the continuous loop is secured around a torso of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso of the user and a second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back of the user and at least one knee of the user. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the continuous loop is movable between the first position and the second position via a combination of movement of the third buckle element and elastic elongation of the elastic strap. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the continuous loop exerts a radially inward force against the lower back of the user in the second position to support the lower back of the user. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, in the second position, the first buckle element is disposed at a first buckle position, and the continuous loop is movable between the first position and the second position without moving the first buckle element from the first buckle position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, a method of supporting a lower back of a user may comprise: positioning an elastic strap around a torso of the user, the elastic strap including a first end and a second end, the second end being secured to a first buckle element slidably disposed on a medial portion of the elastic strap; releasably securing a first clasping element attached to the first end of the elastic strap to a second buckle element slidably disposed over the elastic strap to form a continuous loop around the torso of the user in a first position; moving the continuous loop from the first position to a second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back of the user and at least one knee of the user in a seated position such that the continuous loop exerts a radially inward force against the lower back of the user; sliding the first buckle element along the medial portion of the elastic strap to change the radially inward force applied to the lower back of the user in the second position, the first buckle element being disposed in a first buckle position when the radially inward force is at a desired level; and moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position without moving the first buckle element from the first buckle position, wherein the elastic strap elastically contracts such that a perimeter length of the continuous loop in the first position that is less than the perimeter length of the continuous loop in the second position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position includes sliding a third buckle element over the medial portion of the elastic strap to secure the continuous loop around the torso of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso of the user in the first position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the third buckle element is disposed between the first buckle element and the second buckle element. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position includes sliding the third buckle element over the medial portion of the elastic strap towards the first buckle element. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, sliding the third buckle element over the medial portion of the elastic strap towards the first buckle element forms a plurality of segments of the elastic strap defined by the first buckle element, the second buckle element, and the third buckle element. The plurality of segments may circumferentially overlap between the first buckle element and the second buckle element. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, sliding the third buckle element over the medial portion of the elastic strap takes up slack in the elastic strap disposed between the first buckle element and the second buckle element when the continuous loop is disposed in the first position. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, sliding the third buckle element over the medial portion of the elastic strap draws the second buckle element closer to the first buckle element. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, moving the continuous loop from the first position to the second position elastically elongates the elastic strap. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, a kiosk for marketing a back support device for supporting a lower back of a user may comprise a seat including a seating surface and a backrest, a back support device secured to the backrest, and a vending machine configured to hold stock of the back support device therein. The back support device may comprise an elastic strap, a first clasping element attached to a first end of the elastic strap, a first buckle element secured to a second end of the elastic strap and slidably disposed over a medial portion of the elastic strap, and a second buckle element slidably disposed over the elastic strap and configured to releasably engage the first clasping element to form a continuous loop. The continuous loop may be movable between a first position in which the continuous loop is secured around a torso of the user and a second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back of the user and at least one knee of the user in a seated position via elastic elongation. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the seat further includes a safety belt secured thereto. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the stock includes individually packaged back support devices. 
     In addition or alternatively to any example described herein, the back support device is secured to the backrest in a theft resistant manner. 
     The above summary of some embodiments, aspects, and/or examples is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description which follows more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS.  1 - 6    illustrate selected aspects of a back support device according to the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  7 - 15    illustrate selected aspects related to using the back support device of  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIGS.  16 - 17    illustrate selected aspects of an alternative clasping mechanism; 
         FIGS.  18 - 20 A  illustrates selected aspects of a back support device according to the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  21 - 30    illustrate selected aspects related to using the back support device of  FIGS.  18 - 20 A ; and 
         FIG.  31    illustrates selected aspects of a kiosk for marketing the back support device(s). 
     
    
    
     While aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings are intended to illustrate but not limit the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and/or shown may be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate example embodiments of the disclosure. 
     For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. 
     All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about”, in the context of numeric values, generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term “about” (e.g., in a context other than numeric values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definition(s), as understood from and consistent with the context of the specification, unless otherwise specified. 
     The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range, including the endpoints (e.g.,  1  to  5  includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). 
     Although some suitable dimensions, ranges, and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges, and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It is to be noted that in order to facilitate understanding, certain features of the disclosure may be described in the singular, even though those features may be plural or recurring within the disclosed embodiment(s). Each instance of the features may include and/or be encompassed by the singular disclosure(s), unless expressly stated to the contrary. For simplicity and clarity purposes, not all elements of the disclosure are necessarily shown in each figure or discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the following discussion may apply equally to any and/or all of the components for which there are more than one, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Additionally, not all instances of some elements or features may be shown in each figure for clarity. 
     Relative terms such as “proximal” and “distal”, variants thereof, and the like, may be generally considered with respect to the positioning, direction, and/or operation of various elements relative to a user/operator/manipulator or a reference point of the device, wherein “proximal” indicates or refers to closer to or toward the user or reference point and “distal” indicates or refers to farther from or away from the user or reference point. In some instances, the terms “proximal” and “distal” may be arbitrarily assigned in an effort to facilitate understanding of the disclosure, and such instances will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. Other relative terms, such as “axial”, “circumferential”, “longitudinal”, “lateral”, “radial”, etc. and/or variants thereof generally refer to direction and/or orientation relative to a central longitudinal axis of the disclosed structure or device. 
     The term “extent” may be understood to mean the greatest measurement of a stated or identified dimension, unless the extent or dimension in question is preceded by or identified as a “minimum”, which may be understood to mean the smallest measurement of the stated or identified dimension. For example, “outer extent” may be understood to mean an outer dimension, “radial extent” may be understood to mean a radial dimension, “longitudinal extent” may be understood to mean a longitudinal dimension, etc. Each instance of an “extent” may be different (e.g., axial, longitudinal, lateral, radial, circumferential, etc.) and will be apparent to the skilled person from the context of the individual usage. Generally, an “extent” may be considered a greatest possible dimension measured according to the intended usage, while a “minimum extent” may be considered a smallest possible dimension measured according to the intended usage. In some instances, an “extent” may generally be measured orthogonally within a plane and/or cross-section, but may be, as will be apparent from the particular context, measured differently—such as, but not limited to, angularly, radially, circumferentially (e.g., along an arc), etc. 
     The terms “monolithic” and “unitary” shall generally refer to an element or elements made from or consisting of a single structure or base unit/element. A monolithic and/or unitary element shall exclude structure and/or features made by assembling or otherwise joining multiple discrete structures or elements together. 
     It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement the particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless clearly stated to the contrary. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a particular combination, are nevertheless contemplated as being combinable or arrangeable with each other to form other additional embodiments or to complement and/or enrich the described embodiment(s), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     For the purpose of clarity, certain identifying numerical nomenclature (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the description and/or claims to name and/or differentiate between various described and/or claimed features. It is to be understood that the numerical nomenclature is not intended to be limiting and is exemplary only. In some embodiments, alterations of and deviations from previously used numerical nomenclature may be made in the interest of brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as a “first” element may later be referred to as a “second” element, a “third” element, etc. or may be omitted entirely, and/or a different feature may be referred to as the “first” element. The meaning and/or designation in each instance will be apparent to the skilled practitioner. 
     Some features and/or reference numbers may not be shown in each figure for clarity. Similarly, each and every element and/or reference number may not be discussed in detail with respect to each figure. Some reference numbers and/or features may be shown and/or described in other figures in more detail, and those reference numbers and/or features may be shown and/or identified in some figures merely for reference. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates selected aspects of one example of a back support device  100  for supporting a lower back of a user in a seated position, according to the disclosure. The back support device  100  may include an elastic strap  110  and/or an elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be formed into the elastic strap  110 . The elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may include and/or may have a first end  112  and a second end  114  opposite the first end  112 . In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be continuously and/or entirely elastic from the first end  112  to the second end  114 . In some alternative embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may include a plurality of segments, wherein one or more segments of the plurality of segments of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may include a non-elastic material. In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be discontinuously elastic from the first end  112  to the second end  114 . In one example, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may include a non-elastic segment at and/or adjacent the first end  112  and/or the second end  114 . In another example, elastic material and non-elastic material may alternate along the length of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  from the first end  112  to the second end  114 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may include a plurality of layers. In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be formed and/or folded over on itself to form a first layer  111 A and a second layer  111 B (e.g.,  FIG.  3 A ). In some embodiments, the plurality of layers and/or the first layer  111 A and the second layer  111 B may extend from the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the plurality of layers and/or the first layer  111 A and the second layer  111 B may be fixedly attached together, such as with adhesive bonding, stitching, other fastening means, etc. In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be a single monolithic piece of material. In some embodiments, the plurality of layers and/or the first layer  111 A and the second layer  111 B may be formed from a single monolithic piece of material. Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the back support device  100  may include a first clasping element  120  secured and/or attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  may be fixedly secured and/or fixedly attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  may be non-removable from the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the back support device  100  may include a second clasping element  130  slidably disposed over and/or on the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the second clasping element  130  may include a closed loop (e.g.,  FIG.  2   ). In some embodiments, a medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may pass through the second clasping element  130 . In some embodiments, the second clasping element  130  may be configured to slide over and/or along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the second clasping element  130  may be non-removable from the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the second clasping element  130  may be configured to releasably engage the first clasping element  120  to form the back support device  100  into a continuous loop. In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and the second clasping element  130  may collectively form and/or comprise a clasping mechanism to configured to form the back support device  100  into the continuous loop. In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and the second clasping element  130 , and/or the clasping mechanism, may form the back support device  100  into a belt or a belt-like structure configured to be secured around the torso of a user. In at least some embodiments, the back support device  100  may define and/or include only a single continuous loop or only one continuous loop. Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the back support device  100  may include a buckle element  140  secured to the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the buckle element  140  may be slidably disposed on the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  for adjusting a perimeter length of the continuous loop. In some embodiments, the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend and/or pass through the buckle element  140 . In some embodiments, the buckle element  140  may be configured to selectively slide over and/or along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the buckle element  140  may be non-removable from the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  may include a non-elastic flap  122 , as seen in  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  may include an aperture  124  extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  may include a plurality of apertures (e.g., a first aperture, a second aperture, etc.). In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  may include a projecting element  126  fixedly attached thereto. In some embodiments, the projecting element  126  may extend through the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122 . In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  may include a plurality of projecting elements (e.g., a first projecting element, a second projecting element, etc.). In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may comprise leather or another non-elastic material. Other configurations are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the projecting element  126  may include and/or may be a metal stud. In some embodiments, the projecting element  126  and/or the metal stud may include an enlarged tip at its free end. Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     As seen in  FIG.  3   , the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to releasably engage the second clasping element  130 . In some embodiments, at least a portion  128  of the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  is fixedly secured and/or fixedly attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In at least some embodiments, the at least a portion  128  of the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  extends between the first layer  111 A and the second layer  111 B of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 , as seen in  FIG.  3 A . The at least a portion  128  of the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be fixedly secured and/or fixedly attached to the first layer  111 A and the second layer  111 B of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . 
     In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may include a top edge  117  and a bottom edge  118  that may be brought and/or held together adjacent and/or abutting each other when the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  is formed and/or folded over into the first layer  111 A and the second layer  111 B. In some embodiments, the top edge  117  and the bottom edge  118  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be stitched and/or fixedly attached together and/or to each other along an entire length of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to extend through the closed loop of the second clasping element  130  as seen in  FIG.  3    and fold back on itself to form the continuous loop, as seen in  FIG.  4   . The projecting element  126  may be configured to engage and/or extend through the aperture  124  to secure the first clasping element  120  to itself when the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  is engaged with the second clasping element  130  to form the continuous loop. In some embodiments, the plurality of projecting elements may be configured to engaged with and/or extend through the plurality of apertures to secure the first clasping element  120  to itself when the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  is engaged with the second clasping element  130  to form the continuous loop. Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     Turning to  FIG.  5   , the buckle element  140  may be secured to the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the buckle element  140  may include a first end member  141  and a second end member  142  opposite the first end member  141 . In some embodiments, the buckle element  140  may include a first side member  143  extending from the first end member  141  to the second end member  142 . In some embodiments, the buckle element  140  may include a second side member  144  extending from the first end member  141  to the second end member  142 . In some embodiments, the buckle element  140  may include a central member  145  extending from the first end member  141  to the second end member  142 . In some embodiments, the second side member  144  may be disposed opposite the first side member  143  relative to the central member  145 . 
     In some embodiments, the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be secured to the central member  145  of the buckle element  140 . In some embodiments, the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be fixedly secured to the central member  145  of the buckle element  140  such that the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  is non-removable and/or non-detachable from the buckle element  140  and/or the central member  145  of the buckle element  140 . In some embodiments, the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend and/or may pass between the first side member  143  and the central member  145  of the buckle element  140 , as seen in FIGS.  5  and  6 . In some embodiments, the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend and/or may pass between the second side member  144  and the central member  145  of the buckle element  140 . 
     As it relates to the continuous loop shown in  FIG.  1   , the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may pass inside of the first side member  143  and/or an inwardly facing surface of the first side member  143 , between the first side member  143  and the central member  145 , outside of and/or around an outwardly facing surface of the central member  145 , between the second side member  144  and the central member  145 , and inside of the second side member  144  and/or an to inwardly facing surface of the second side member  144 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . In some embodiments, tension applied to the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  and/or to the continuous loop may urge the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  against the central member  145  of the buckle element  140  such that at least a portion of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  is pinched against the central member  145 . The buckle element  140  may be disposed at a buckle position (e.g., marked on the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  in  FIGS.  9 ,  11 - 13    with an “X”) along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Friction between the pinched portion of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  and the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  being pulled and/or urged against the pinched portion of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may effectively lock the buckle element  140  in place at the buckle position along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In at least some embodiments, the second clasping element  130  may be slidably disposed over and/or on along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  between the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  and the buckle element  140 , as seen in  FIG.  1   . In some embodiments, the second clasping element  130  may be slidably disposed over and/or on along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  between the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  and the buckle position. 
     In some embodiments, having the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  “doubled up” through the buckle element  140 , as shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , may create and/or result in difficulty moving the buckle element  140  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  for adjustment purposes. In some alternative embodiments, the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may include a thinned fastening element fixedly attached thereto, wherein the thinned fastening element passes through the buckle element  140  and/or around the central member  145  of the buckle element  140 , thereby reducing bulk between the first side member  143  and the central member  145  and between the second side member  144  and the central member  145  to permit easier adjustment of the buckle position. The thinned fastening element may include and/or have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the thinned fastening element may be and/or include an elastic material. In some embodiments, the thinned fastening element may be and/or include the same elastic material as the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the thinned fastening element may be and/or include a non-elastic material. Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the second clasping element  130  may be a second buckle element. In some embodiments, there may be no additional structure, no additional buckle element(s), and/or no additional clasping element(s) between the buckle element  140  and the second buckle element. In some embodiments, the second buckle element may be substantially the same as the buckle element  140  and/or the second buckle element may be a second instance of the buckle element  140  (e.g., the back support device  100  may have two of the buckle element  140 ). For descriptive purposes only, individual features, elements, and/or components of the second buckle element will be referred to using the same reference numbers applied to the buckle element  140  seen in  FIG.  5    for example. The use of these reference numbers is not intended to be limiting and is merely meant to enhance understanding with respect to the second buckle element described herein. 
     In some embodiments having the second buckle element, such as those having no additional structure, no additional buckle element(s), and/or no additional clasping element(s) between the buckle element  140  and the second buckle element, a path of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend inside of the second side member  144  and/or an inwardly facing surface of the second side member  144 , between the second side member  144  and the central member  145 , outside of and/or around an outwardly facing surface of the central member  145 , between the first side member  143  and the central member  145 , outside of and/or around an outwardly facing surface of the central member  145 , and past an inwardly facing surface of the central member  145  toward and/or to the buckle element  140 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the path of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend around the central member  145 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments having the second buckle element, such as those having no additional structure, no additional buckle element(s), and/or no additional clasping element(s) between the buckle element  140  and the second buckle element, a path of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend outside of the second side member  144  and/or an outwardly facing surface of the second side member  144 , between the second side member  144  and the central member  145 , outside of and/or around an outwardly facing surface of the central member  145 , and inside of the second side member  144  and/or an inwardly facing surface of the second side member  144  toward and/or to the buckle element  140 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the path of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend around the second side member  144 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments having the second buckle element, such as those having no additional structure, no additional buckle element(s), and/or no additional clasping element(s) between the buckle element  140  and the second buckle element, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to releasably engage the second buckle element. In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to extend through the second buckle element and fold back on itself to form the continuous loop. In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to extend inside of the first side member  143  and/or an inwardly facing surface of the first side member  143 , between the first side member  143  and the central member  145 , and outside of and/or around an outwardly facing surface of the first side member  143 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to extend around the first side member  143 . Other configurations are also contemplated. 
       FIGS.  7 - 15    illustrate selected aspects of the back support device  100  and a method of supporting a lower back  12  of a user. In some embodiments, the method may include positioning the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  around a torso  10  and/or the lower back  12  of the user, as seen in  FIG.  7   . The method may further include releasably securing the first clasping element  120  attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to the second clasping element  130  slidably disposed over the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to form a continuous loop around the torso  10  and/or the lower back  12  of the user, as seen in  FIG.  8   . 
     In some embodiments, positioning the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  around the torso  10  and/or the lower back  12  of the user may include inserting, advancing, and/or feeding the non-elastic flap  122  of the first clasping element  120  through the closed loop of the second clasping element  130 , as seen in  FIG.  7   . In some embodiments, releasably securing the first clasping element  120  to the second clasping element  130  may include inserting the projecting element  126  through the aperture  124  formed in the non-elastic flap  122  of the first clasping element  120 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . In some embodiments, releasably securing the first clasping element  120  to the second clasping element  130  may include urging the non-elastic flap  122  and/or the aperture  124  formed therein over and/or on to the projecting element  126 . 
     In some embodiments, the method may include sliding the buckle element  140  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to secure the continuous loop around the torso  10  and/or the lower back  12  of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso  10  of the user in a first position, as seen in  FIG.  9   . The buckle element  140  may be disposed at the buckle position (marked with an “X” on the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 ) in the first position. The continuous loop may have a first perimeter length P 1  (e.g.,  FIG.  10   ) in the first position. In at least some embodiments, the continuous loop radially and/or elastically constricts upon the torso  10  of the user in the first position. In some embodiments, the continuous loop exerts a radially inward force on the torso  10  of the user in the first position. 
       FIG.  10    schematically illustrates a top view of the user in a seated position with the continuous loop shown in the first position. In the top view shown, the torso  10  of the user may be seen as an oval. The user&#39;s leg(s)  14  extends away from the torso  10  opposite the lower back  12  to the knee(s)  16 . The first perimeter length P 1  may be seen and/or defined by an inwardly facing surface of the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In the first position, there may be substantially no or very limited space between the torso  10  and the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Gaps between the torso  10  and the continuous loop shown in  FIG.  10    are merely for clarity and may not be present when the back support device  100  is disposed around the torso  10  of the user in the first position. 
     In some embodiments, the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the continuous loop may be adjustable in the first position. In some embodiments, the method may include sliding the buckle element  140  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  in a first direction toward the second clasping element  130  (e.g., to the left in  FIG.  10   ) to loosen and/or to increase the first perimeter length P 1 . In some embodiments, the method may include sliding the buckle element  140  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  in a second direction away from the second clasping element  130  (e.g., to the right in  FIG.  10   ) to decrease the first perimeter length P 1 . 
     Since the continuous loop may be configured to elastically constrict upon the torso  10  of the user in the first position, in some embodiments, the user may wish to adjust the first perimeter length P 1  for comfort in the first position. In general, in the first position, the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be secured around the torso  10  of the user and the first perimeter length P 1  adjusted such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso  10  of the user. Generally, it is undesirable for the continuous loop and/or the first perimeter length P 1  to be so large that the continuous loop falls off of the torso  10  of the user if and/or when the user stands up. It is desirable for the continuous loop to remain in place on and/or around the torso  10  of the user for convenience and/or safety. For example, if the user gets up to walk to another location, the continuous loop will remain in place on the torso  10  of the user instead of slipping down around the user&#39;s legs, which may cause a tripping hazard. Other benefits are also contemplated. As such, the continuous loop may be configured to fit snugly against the torso  10  of the user in the first position to maintain and/or hold itself in place on the torso  10  of the user. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  11 - 13   , in some embodiments, the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop may be movable between the first position in which the continuous loop has the first perimeter length P 1  (e.g.,  FIG.  10   ) and a second position in which the continuous loop has a second perimeter length P 2  (e.g.,  FIGS.  14 - 15   ) via elastic elongation. The back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop may be movable, without changing the buckle position between the first position, in which the back support device  100  forms a continuous loop extending around and elastically constricting upon the torso  10  of the user, and the second position, in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back  12  of the user and at least one knee  16  of the user, as seen in  FIGS.  14 - 14 A . The at least one knee  16  may be the user&#39;s right knee, as shown in  FIG.  14   , or the user&#39;s left knee, as shown in  FIG.  14 A . In some embodiments, positioning the continuous loop around the left knee of the user may be a preferred configuration and/or use of the back support device  100 . In one non-limiting example, the continuous loop may be positioned around the lower back  12  of the user and the left knee of the user to use the back support device  100  while driving. Other configurations are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the continuous loop may be moved from the right knee to the left knee, or from the left knee to the right knee, during use as desired for user comfort. 
     In some embodiments, in the second position, the continuous loop may extend around the lower back  12  of the user and two knees of the user, as seen in  FIG.  15   . In some embodiments, positioning the continuous loop around two knees may increase the radially inward force applied against the lower back  12  of the user compared to positioning the continuous loop around one knee. This may be useful if the user wants a temporary increase in the radially inward force (e.g., the amount of support) against the lower back  12  of the user without adjusting the buckle position of the buckle element  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the second perimeter length P 2  may be greater than the first perimeter length P 1 . In some embodiments, the first perimeter length P 1  may be less than the second perimeter length P 2 . In some embodiments, a single or one continuous loop may extend around at least one knee  16  or around two knees. Two separate loops are not required in order to position or extend the back support device  100  around two knees (e.g., the back support device does not require separate loops for each knee). 
     In use, to move the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop from the first position (e.g.,  FIGS.  9 - 10   ) to the second position (e.g.,  FIGS.  13 - 15   ), the user may insert their hands  18  inside of the continuous loop in the first position. The back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop may then be stretched away from the torso  10  of the user with the hands  18  and towards the at least one knee  16  of the user, as seen in  FIG.  11   . Note that in  FIG.  11    the “X” on the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  marking the buckle position remains in the same position relative to the buckle element  140  as it was in  FIG.  9   . This is because the buckle element  140  remains in a fixed position along the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  as the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  is elastically stretched and/or elongated. 
     After urging the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  away from the torso  10  and over the at least one knee  16 , the user&#39;s hands  18  are used to position the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  on the bump located at the top of the user&#39;s shin in the second position, as shown in  FIG.  12   . Then the user&#39;s hands  18  may be removed from behind the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . In some embodiments, if desired, the user may vary the amount of pressure the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  puts on the at least one knee  16  and/or the shin(s) by spreading apart the overlapping medial portions of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to spread out the pressure on the at least one knee  16  and/or the shin(s). In some embodiments, if desired, the user may vary the amount of pressure the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  puts on the at least one knee  16  and/or the shin(s) by changing which knee the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  extends around (e.g., moving the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  from the left knee to the right knee, or vice versa). 
     Accordingly, in some embodiments, the method of supporting the lower back  12  of the user may include moving the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  from the first position to the second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back  12  of the user and at least one knee  16  of the user. In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  elastically elongates from the first position to the second position such that in the second position the continuous loop has a second perimeter length P 2  greater than the first perimeter length P 1 . In some embodiments, moving the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  from the first position to the second position may require no adjustment. For example, in some embodiments, the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop is movable between the first position and the second position only via elasticity of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . No other structure of the back support device  100  needs to be moved or adjusted in order to move the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop between the first position and the second position. For example, the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop is movable without moving the buckle element  140  and/or without changing the buckle position. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include moving the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the method may include moving the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop from the second position to the first position without any adjustment other than elastic contraction. In some embodiments, the method may include moving the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop from the second position to the first position without moving the buckle element  140  and/or without changing the buckle position. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include sliding the buckle element  140  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  in the first position to change the buckle position. In some embodiments, the method may include sliding the buckle element  140  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to change in inward force exerted by the continuous loop against the lower back  12  of the user in the second position. In one example, sliding the buckle element  140  toward the second clasping element  130  may loosen the continuous loop in the first position such that less elastic elongation is required to move the continuous loop to the second position, which will in turn reduce the inward force exerted by the continuous loop against the lower back  12  of the user in the second position. In another example, sliding the buckle element  140  away from the second clasping element  130  may tighten the continuous loop in the first position such that more elastic elongation is required to move the continuous loop to the second position, which will in turn increase the inward force exerted by the continuous loop against the lower back  12  of the user in the second position. The user may make these adjustments to satisfy comfort and/or support needs. Other configurations and/or adjustments are also contemplated. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the back support device may include an alternative clasping mechanism. For example, the alternative clasping mechanism may include a quick release mechanism. In some embodiments, the back support device may include a first clasping element  220  secured to the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  and a second clasping element  230  secured to the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . The first clasping element  220  may be configured to releasably engage with the second clasping element  230 , as shown in  FIGS.  16 - 17   . In one example, the first clasping element  220  may include a button  222  configured to rock and/or tilt within the first clasping element  220 . In an open position, the button  222  may be configured to receive and/or accept a tongue portion  232  of the second clasping element  230 . In a closed position, the button  222  may be configured to secure and/or lock the tongue portion  232  of the second clasping element  230  within and/or relative to the first clasping element  220 . Other clasping mechanisms and/or configurations thereof are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the first clasping element  220  and/or the second clasping element  230  may permit adjustment of the length of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the first clasping element  220  and/or the second clasping element  230  may engage the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  in a ladder-lock manner to secure the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  in place relative to the first clasping element  220  and/or the second clasping element  230  while permitting easy adjustment of the length of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  and/or the positioning of the first clasping element  220  and/or the second clasping element  230 . 
     In some embodiments, the first end of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be secured to a first buckle element, similar to the buckle element  140  above, the medial portion of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may pass through the first clasping element  220  similar to the second clasping element  130  above, and the second end of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be fixedly secured to the second clasping element  230 . In some embodiments, the first end of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be fixedly secured to the first clasping element  220 , the medial portion of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may pass through the second clasping element  230  similar to the second clasping element  130  above, and the second end of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be secured to a second buckle element, similar to the buckle element  140  above. In some embodiments, the first end of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be secured to a first buckle element, similar to the buckle element  140  above, the medial portion of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may pass through the first clasping element  220  and the second clasping element  230  similar to the second clasping element  130  above, and the second end of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be secured to a second buckle element, similar to the buckle element  140  above. In each of the above examples, the first buckle element and/or the second buckle element may be constructed and/or may function substantially similar to the buckle element  140  described herein. 
       FIGS.  18 - 20 A  illustrate selected aspects of an example configuration of the back support device  100  discussed herein. In some embodiments, the back support device  100  may include the elastic strap  110 , the first clasping element  120  attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110 , and a first buckle element  150  secured to the second end  114  of the elastic strap  110  and slidably disposed over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110 . The back support device  100  may include a second buckle element  160  slidably disposed over the elastic strap  110  and configured to releasably engage the first clasping element  120  to form the continuous loop. In some embodiments, the back support device  100  may include a third buckle element  170  slidably disposed over the elastic strap  110  between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160 . 
     In some embodiments, the first buckle element  150 , the second buckle element  160 , and/or the third buckle element  170  may be identical in structure, form, and/or function to the buckle element  140  described herein. Accordingly, such description is not repeated and individual features, elements, and/or components of the first buckle element  150 , the second buckle element  160 , and/or the third buckle element  170 , where described, may be referred to using the reference numbers assigned above with respect to the buckle element  140  shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6    (e.g., the first end member  141 , the second end member  142 , the first side member  143 , the second side member  144 , the central member  145 , etc.) in the interest of brevity. The use of these reference numbers is not intended to be limiting and is merely meant to enhance understanding. 
     In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  may include a plurality of segments  180  arranged and/or positioned in an overlapping manner. In some embodiments, the plurality of segments  180  of the elastic strap  110  may be defined by the first buckle element  150 , the second buckle element  160 , and the third buckle element  170 . The plurality of segments  180  may circumferentially overlap between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160 . In at least some embodiments, the plurality of segments  180  may form a back-and-forth path of the elastic strap  110  (when viewed from above or below) between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160 . 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of segments  180  may include a first segment  181  extending between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160 , a second segment  182  extending between the second buckle element  160  and the third buckle element  170 , a third segment  183  extending between the third buckle element  170  and the second buckle element  160 , a fourth segment  184  extending between the second buckle element  160  and the third buckle element  170 , and/or a fifth segment  185  extending between the third buckle element  170  and the first buckle element  150 . Other configurations and/or arrangements including more segments or fewer segments are also contemplated. It shall be understood that each segment of the plurality of segments  180  may be defined and/or delineated by identifiable structure (e.g., the buckle elements) found in the back support device  100  (e.g., the first buckle element  150 , the second buckle element  160 , and/or the third buckle element  170 , and/or any additional buckle elements, where present). 
     For the purpose of discussion, the continuous loop shall be considered to extend circumferentially around and/or to surround a central axis. The first segment  181  of the plurality of segments  180  may be disposed radially outward of all other segments of the plurality of segments  180  with respect to the central axis. The second segment  182  may be disposed radially inward of the first segment  181 , the third segment  183  may be disposed radially inward of the second segment  182 , and the fourth segment  184  may be disposed radially inward of the third segment  183 . The fifth segment  185  may be disposed radially inward of the first segment  181 . In some embodiments, the fifth segment  185  may be circumferentially offset from the fourth segment  184 , the third segment  183 , and/or the second segment  182 . In some embodiments, the fifth segment  185  may be circumferentially aligned with the fourth segment  184 . 
     The back-and-forth path of the elastic strap  110  formed by the plurality of segments  180  will now be described with directional references made with respect to the central axis of the continuous loop as viewed from above along the central axis and/or from the front viewing toward the central axis. In at least some embodiments, the back-and-forth path of the elastic strap  110  formed by the plurality of segments  180  may extend from the first buckle element  150  clockwise to the second buckle element  160 , over an outwardly facing surface of the second side member  144  of the second buckle element  160 , between the second side member  144  and the central member  145  of the second buckle element  160 , behind an inwardly facing surface of the second side member  144  of the second buckle element  160  (e.g., around the second side member  144  of the second buckle element  160 ), counterclockwise to the third buckle element  170  radially inward of the first segment  181 , over an outwardly facing surface of the central member  145  of the third buckle element  170 , between the central member  145  and the second side member  144  of the third buckle element  170 , behind an inwardly facing surface of the central member  145  of the third buckle element  170 , between the central member  145  and the first side member  143  of the third buckle element  170  (e.g., around the central member  145  of the third buckle element  170 ), over an outwardly facing surface of the first side member  143  of the third buckle element  170 , clockwise to the second buckle element  160  radially inward of the second segment  182 , behind the inwardly facing surface of the second side member  144  of the second buckle element  160 , between the second side member  144  and the central member  145  of the second buckle element  160 , over an outwardly facing surface of the central member  145  of the second buckle element  160 , between the central member  145  and the first side member  143  of the second buckle element  160 , behind an inwardly facing surface of the central member  145  of the second buckle element  160  (e.g., around the central member  145  of the second buckle element  160 ), counterclockwise to the third buckle element  170  radially inward of the third segment  183 , behind an inwardly facing surface of the first side member  143  of the third buckle element  170 , behind the inwardly facing surface of the central member  145  of the third buckle element  170 , between the central member  145  and the second side member  144  of the third buckle element  170 , over an outwardly facing surface of the second side member  144  of the third buckle element  170 , and counterclockwise to the first buckle element  150  radially inward of the first segment  181 . In some embodiments, an outwardly facing surface of the fifth segment  185  may directly face an inwardly facing surface of the first segment  181 . 
       FIG.  20    illustrates selected aspects of releasably engaging the first clasping element  120  with the second buckle element  160 . In some embodiments, at least a portion  128  of the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  is fixedly secured and/or fixedly attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may include a first layer  121 A and a second layer  121 B. In some embodiments, the first layer  121 A and the second later  121 B may be formed from the same material (e.g., leather, synthetic leather, other non-elastic materials, etc.). In some embodiments, the first layer  121 A and the second later  121 B may be formed from different materials. In some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may extend between the first layer  121 A and the second layer  121 B, as seen in  FIGS.  20 - 20 A . The at least a portion  128  of the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be fixedly secured and/or fixedly attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . It shall be understood that the construction of the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  shown in  FIG.  20    and/or described herein is not limited to use with the example configuration of the back support device shown in  FIGS.  18 - 19    and may also be used in conjunction with the back support device shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   . The reverse is also true, and the configuration shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4    may be used with the example configuration of the back support device shown in  FIGS.  18 - 19   . 
     In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to extend through the second buckle element  160  and fold back on itself to form the continuous loop. In at least some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and/or the non-elastic flap  122  may be configured to extend between the first side member  143  and the central member  145  of the second buckle element  160  (e.g., around the first side member  143  of the second buckle element  160 ) and fold back on itself to form the continuous loop. 
       FIGS.  21 - 26    illustrate selected aspects of the back support device  100  and a method of supporting a lower back  12  of a user. In some embodiments, the method may include positioning the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  around a torso  10  and/or the lower back  12  of the user, wherein the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  includes the first end  112  and the second end  114 , the second end  114  being secured to the first buckle element  150  slidably disposed on the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . 
     In some embodiments, the method may include releasably securing the first clasping element  120  attached to the first end  112  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to the second buckle element  160  slidably disposed over the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to form a continuous loop around the torso  10  and/or the lower back  12  of the user in a first position, as seen in  FIGS.  21 - 22   , wherein  FIG.  22    schematically illustrates a top view of the user in a seated position with the continuous loop in the first position. In the top view shown, the torso  10  of the user may be seen as an oval. The user&#39;s leg(s)  14  extends away from the torso  10  opposite the lower back  12  to the knee(s)  16 . In the first position, there may be substantially no or very limited space between the torso  10  and the continuous loop and/or the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . Gaps between the torso  10  and the continuous loop shown in  FIG.  22    are merely for clarity and may not be present when the back support device  100  is disposed around the torso  10  of the user in the first position. 
     In some embodiments, positioning the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  around the torso  10  and/or the lower back  12  of the user may include inserting, advancing, and/or feeding the non-elastic flap  122  of the first clasping element  120  through the second buckle element  160  and/or around the first side member  143  of the second buckle element  160 , as seen in  FIG.  20   . In some embodiments, releasably securing the first clasping element  120  to the second buckle element  160  may include inserting the projecting element  126  through the aperture  124  formed in the non-elastic flap  122  of the first clasping element  120 , as shown in  FIG.  21   . In some embodiments, releasably securing the first clasping element  120  to the second buckle element  160  may include urging the non-elastic flap  122  and/or the aperture  124  formed therein over and/or on to the projecting element  126 . 
     In some embodiments, the method may include moving the continuous loop from the first position to a second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back  12  of the user and at least one knee  16  of the user in the seated position such that the continuous loop exerts a radially inward force against the lower back  12  of the user in the second position, as seen in  FIGS.  23 - 24   , which schematically illustrates a top view of the user in the seated position with the continuous loop in the second position. The at least one knee  16  may be the user&#39;s right knee, as shown in  FIG.  23   , or the at least one knee  16  may be the user&#39;s left knee, as shown in  FIG.  24   . In some embodiments, positioning the continuous loop around the left knee may be a preferred configuration and/or use of the back support device  100 . In one non-limiting example, the continuous loop may be positioned around the lower back  12  of the user and the left knee of the user to use the back support device  100  while driving. Other configurations are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the continuous loop may be moved from the right knee to the left knee, or from the left knee to the right knee, during use as desired for user comfort. 
     In some embodiments, in the second position, the continuous loop may extend around the lower back  12  of the user and two knees of the user. In some embodiments, positioning the continuous loop around two knees may increase the radially inward force applied against the lower back  12  of the user compared to positioning the continuous loop around one knee. This may be useful if the user wants a temporary increase in the radially inward force (e.g., the amount of support) against the lower back  12  of the user without adjusting the first buckle position. In some embodiments, moving the continuous loop from the first position to the second position may elastically elongate the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . 
     In some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and the second buckle element  160  may be rotated off center on the torso  10  of the user when moving the continuous loop from the first position to the second position so that the first clasping element  120  and the second buckle element  160  are not positioned on and/or over the user&#39;s knee(s) in the second position. Some users may find having the first clasping element  120  and the second buckle element  160  positioning on and/or over the knee(s) uncomfortable. In some embodiments, in the second position, with the first clasping element  120  rotated toward the user&#39;s side (e.g., not centered on the torso  10 ), the continuous loop may extend around the lower back  12  of the user and the first segment  181  and the fifth segment  185  of the plurality of segments  180  may both extend around, over, and/or across the at least one knee  16 , as seen in  FIGS.  23 - 24    for example. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include sliding the first buckle element  150  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to change the radially inward force against and/or applied to the lower back  12  of the user in the second position. The first buckle element  150  may be disposed in a first buckle position (marked with an “X” on the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  in  FIG.  25   ) when the radially inward force is at a desired level. In some embodiments, the method may include moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position without moving the first buckle element  150  from the first buckle position, wherein the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  elastically contracts such that a perimeter length of the continuous loop in the first position is less than the perimeter length of the continuous loop in the second position. In some embodiments, moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position may include sliding the third buckle element  170  over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to secure the continuous loop around the torso  10  of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso  10  of the user in the first position, as seen in  FIGS.  26 - 27   . As discussed herein, the third buckle element  170  may be disposed between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160 . 
     In some embodiments, moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position may include sliding the third buckle element  170  over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  towards the first buckle element  150 . In some embodiments, sliding the third buckle element  170  over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  towards the first buckle element  150  forms the plurality of segments  180  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  defined by the first buckle element  150 , the second buckle element  160 , and the third buckle element  170 , as discussed herein. The plurality of segments  180  may circumferentially overlap between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160 , as seen in  FIG.  27   . 
     In some embodiments, moving the continuous loop from the second position to the first position may cause slack to form and/or be disposed between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160 . For example, when the user is tall, has long legs, and/or when the perimeter length of the continuous loop in the second position is sufficiently larger than the perimeter length of the continuous loop in the first position and/or when the first buckle element  150  is disposed in the first buckle position, elastic contraction of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be insufficient on its own to take up the difference between the perimeter length of the continuous loop in the second position and the perimeter length of the continuous loop in the first position. Accordingly, in some embodiments, sliding the third buckle element  170  over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may take up slack in the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  disposed between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160  when the continuous loop is disposed in the first position. In some embodiments, sliding the third buckle element  170  over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may draw the second buckle element  160  closer to the first buckle element  150 , as seen by comparing  FIG.  26    to  FIG.  27    for example. 
     In some embodiments, the third buckle element  170  may be slidable over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  between a retracted position when the continuous loop is disposed in the first position (e.g.,  FIGS.  21 - 22 ,  27 - 28   ) and an expanded position when the continuous loop is disposed in the second position (e.g.,  FIGS.  23 - 25   ). When the continuous loop is disposed in the first position and the third buckle element  170  is disposed in the retracted position, sufficient friction may exist between overlapping portions of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  within the third buckle element  170  to prevent the third buckle element  170  from sliding along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . As the continuous loop is moved to the second position, elastic elongation of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may exert force on the third buckle element  170  toward the second buckle element  160  sufficient to overcome the friction between overlapping portions of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  within the third buckle element  170 , thereby causing the third buckle element  170  to slide along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  toward the second buckle element  160 . 
     After sliding the third buckle element  170  over the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  to take up slack in the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  disposed between the first buckle element  150  and the second buckle element  160  when the continuous loop is disposed in the first position, and/or after sliding the third buckle element  170  to the retracted position, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be secured around the torso  10  of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso  10  of the user. 
     Once adjustments have been made to position the first buckle element  150  at the first buckle position and the radially inward force against and/or applied to the lower back  12  of the user in the second position is at the desired level, the back support device  100  and/or the continuous loop may be easily and repeatedly moved between the first position and the second position as described herein. 
     Generally, it is undesirable for the continuous loop to fall off of the torso  10  of the user if and/or when the user stands up. It is desirable for the continuous loop to remain in place on and/or around the torso  10  of the user in the first position for convenience and/or safety while being able to provide the desired level of radially inward force against the lower back  12  of the user in the second position. For example, if the user gets up to walk to another location, it is desirable for the continuous loop to remain in place on the torso  10  of the user instead of slipping down around the user&#39;s legs, which may cause a tripping hazard. Other benefits are also contemplated. As such, the continuous loop may be configured to fit snugly against the torso  10  of the user in the first position to maintain and/or hold itself in place on the torso  10  of the user. 
     In some embodiments, the continuous loop may be movable between the first position in which the continuous loop is secured around the torso  10  of the user such that the continuous loop holds itself in place on the torso  10  of the user and the second position in which the continuous loop extends around the lower back  12  of the user and at least one knee  16  of the user. In some embodiments, the continuous loop may be movable between the first position and the second position via a combination of movement of the third buckle element  170  along the medial portion  116  of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  and elastic elongation of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 . As discussed herein, the continuous loop may exert the radially inward force against the lower back  12  of the user in the second position to support the lower back  12  of the user. In at least some embodiments, in the second position, the first buckle element  150  may be disposed at the first buckle position and the continuous loop may be movable between the first position and the second position without moving the first buckle element  150  from the first buckle position (marked with an “X” on the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111 , as seen in  FIGS.  25 ,  26   , and  28 ). For reference,  FIG.  28    is a view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  27    from the left of the torso  10  of the user (e.g., from the right side of the view shown in  FIG.  27   ) after the user&#39;s left hand has been removed from the third buckle element  170 . In  FIG.  28   , the first buckle element  150  may be seen as having remained in the first position. 
     As discussed above, in some embodiments, the first clasping element  120  and the second buckle element  160  may be rotated off center on the torso  10  of the user when moving the continuous loop from the first position to the second position so that the first clasping element  120  and the second buckle element  160  are not positioned on and/or over the user&#39;s knee(s) in the second position. Some users may find having the first clasping element  120  and the second buckle element  160  positioning on and/or over the knee(s) uncomfortable. Additionally, in some embodiments, the user may desire to have the radially inward force be less than the desired level set by the first buckle element  150  being disposed at the first buckle position. In some embodiments, with the first clasping element  120  rotated toward the user&#39;s side (e.g., not centered on the torso  10 ), the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be movable from the first position in to which the continuous loop is secured around the torso  10  of the user and a third position in which the first segment  181  of the plurality of segments  180  extends around at least one knee  16  of the user and the fifth segment of the plurality of segments  180  does not extend around at least one knee of the user, as seen in  FIGS.  29 - 30   . In some embodiments, the at least one knee  16  may be the right knee of the user, as shown in  FIG.  29   , and in some embodiments, the at least one knee  16  may be the left knee of the user, as shown in  FIG.  30   . In some embodiments, the first segment  181  of the plurality of segments  180  may be moved between the left knee and the right knee during use. 
     This arrangement (e.g., a single segment of the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  extending around at least one knee  16 ) reduces the radially inward force applied to the lower back  12  of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  is not being elongated to the same degree as when both the first segment  181  and the fifth segment  185  of the plurality of segments  180  extend around the at least one knee  16 . Similar to above, the elastic strap  110  and/or the elongate piece of elastic material  111  may be moved between the first position and the third position without moving the first buckle element  150  from the first buckle position. In some alternative embodiments, the first segment  181  may extend around two knees while the fifth segment does not extend around any knees of the user. 
     In some embodiments, positioning the first segment  181  around the left knee of the user with the first clasping element  120  positioned generally between the legs  14  of the user along the torso  10  of the user, the fifth segment  185  may draw compressively against the user&#39;s stomach to create a girdling effect while the first segment  181  and the left knee provide support to the lower back  12  of the user. In some embodiments, positioning the first segment  181  around the left knee of the user may be a preferred configuration and/or use of the back support device  100 . In one non-limiting example, the elastic strap  110  may be positioned around the lower back  12  of the user and the first segment  181  around the left knee of the user to use the back support device  100  while driving. Other configurations are also contemplated. 
       FIG.  31    illustrates selected aspects of a kiosk  300  for marketing the back support device  100  for supporting a lower back of a user. The kiosk  300  may include a seat  310  including a seating surface  320  and a backrest  330 . In some embodiments, the seat  310  may be a seat type with which it may be desirable to use the back support device  100 , such as but not limited to a stadium seat, an airport concourse seat, an airline seat, an automobile seat, a bench, etc. 
     The kiosk  300  may include the back support device  100  secured to the backrest  330 . In at least some embodiments, the back support device  100  may be secured to the backrest  330  in a theft resistant manner. In some embodiments, the back support device  100  may be fixedly secured to the backrest  330 , such as with stitching, adhesive, or other permanent attachment means. In some embodiments, the back support device  100  may be removably secured to the backrest  330  to facilitate cleaning and/or replacement. In some embodiments, a sleeve may be fixedly attached to the backrest  330 . The sleeve may be configured to receive the back support device  100  therein and/or therethrough. In at least some embodiments, the sleeve and/or the back support device  100  may be configured to prevent removal of the back support device  100  from the sleeve except through proprietary means which may serve to reduce and/or prevent theft. Other configurations are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the seat  310  may optionally include a safety belt  340  (e.g., a seat belt, such as those associated with airline or automobile seats) secured thereto. In some embodiments, the safety belt  340  may be provided so that the user may assess the interaction of the safety belt  340  and the back support device  100  in use. 
     The kiosk  300  may include a vending machine  350  configured to hold stock  360  of the back support device  100  therein. In some embodiments, the stock  360  may include different versions and/or configurations of the back support device  100 . In some embodiments, the stock  360  may include individually packaged back support devices. The vending machine  350  may include a payment mechanism  370  configured to facilitate sale of the stock  360 . In some embodiments, the payment mechanism  370  may include one or more means of facilitating payment including but not limited to cash transactions and/or paperless transactions (e.g., credit card, debit card, electronic, touchless, etc.). The vending machine  350  may include a dispenser  380  configured to dispense and/or release the stock  360  to the user upon successful completion of a sale or transaction. 
     In some embodiments, the kiosk  300  may include multiple instances of the seat  310  and/or may include different versions and/or configurations of the back support device  100 . For example, a first seat may include a first version and/or configuration of the back support device  100  secured thereto and a second seat may include a second version and/or configuration of the back support device  100  secured thereto. In some further embodiments, a third seat may include a third version and/or configuration of the back support device  100  secured thereto. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the seat  310  may be devoid of the backrest  330 . In such embodiments, the back support device  100  may be secured to the seat  310  in a theft resistant manner. It shall be appreciated that a backrest is not required to receive the benefits of using the back support device  100  disclosed herein. 
     The materials that can be used for the various components of the back support device and the various elements thereof disclosed herein may include those commonly associated with belts, straps, etc. For simplicity purposes, the following discussion refers to the device. However, this is not intended to limit the devices and methods described herein, as the discussion may be applied to other elements and/or components disclosed herein, such as, but not limited to, the elastic strap, the first clasping element, the second clasping element, the clasping mechanism, the buckle element(s), etc. and/or elements or components thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the device and/or components thereof may be made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer (some examples of which are disclosed below), a metal-polymer composite, ceramics, combinations thereof, and the like, or other suitable material. 
     Some examples of suitable polymers may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM; for example, DELRIN®), polyether block ester, polyurethane, polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyether-ester, ether or ester based copolymers (for example, butylene/poly(alkylene ether) phthalate and/or other polyester elastomers), polyamide, elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide/ethers, polyether block amide (PEBA; for example, PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), silicones, polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), poly paraphenylene terephthalamide (for example, KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon-12, perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefin, polystyrene, epoxy, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene), polycarbonates, polyurethane silicone copolymers, biocompatible polymers, other suitable materials, or mixtures, combinations, copolymers thereof, and the like. 
     Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include aluminum; aluminum alloys; stainless steel; mild steel; nickel alloys; combinations thereof; or any other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, the device and/or components thereof may include a fabric material disposed over or within the structure. Some examples of suitable fabric materials include, but are not limited to, cotton, nylon, silk, polypropylene, polyester, spandex, elastane (e.g., LYCRA®), and the like, and/or blends or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the device and/or components thereof may include natural materials such as leather, silk, wood, hemp, plant matter, animal hide, stone, etc. and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the natural materials may be used alone or in combination with other materials. 
     In some embodiments, the device and/or components thereof may include and/or be formed from a textile material. Some examples of suitable textile materials may include synthetic yarns that may be flat, shaped, twisted, textured, pre-shrunk or un-shrunk. Synthetic yarns suitable for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, polyesters, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyvinyls, polymethylacetates, polyamides, natural silk, and polytetrafluoroethylenes. Moreover, at least one of the synthetic yarns may be a metallic yarn or a glass or ceramic yarn or fiber. In some embodiments, the yarns may further include carbon, glass, or ceramic fibers. The yarns may be of the multifilament, monofilament, or spun types. The type and denier of the yarn chosen may be selected in a manner which has desirable properties for the intended use. 
     It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made to details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The disclosure&#39;s scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.