Abstract:
A back and lumbar support apparatus comprising: a semi-rigid central support; a lumbar support slideably attached to the semi-rigid central support; a first panel, with four catenary edges, coupled to the semi-rigid central support; a first strap coupled to the first panel; a second strap coupled to the first panel; and where the first and second straps are configured to adjust in length. A back and lumbar support apparatus comprising: a semi-rigid central support; a first panel, with four catenary edges, coupled to the semi-rigid central support; a first strap coupled to the first panel; a second strap coupled to the first panel; and where the first and second straps are configured to adjust in length. A back and lumbar support system comprising: a seating apparatus with a first arm, a second arm, a first back member, and a second back member; a first panel, with four catenary edges, coupled to the first back member and to the second back member; a semi-rigid central support coupled to the first panel; a lumbar support slideably attached to the semi-rigid central support; a first strap coupled to the panel and to the first arm; and a second strap coupled to the panel and to the second arm.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The disclosed apparatus and system relate to back supports. In particular, the disclosed apparatus and system relate to a lightweight, portable back support.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Back pain and back discomfort are widespread problems, especially when standing, sitting or lounging for extended periods of time. For persons with existing physical conditions involving the dorsal areas of the body, it may not even be a matter of duration, but simply resting on a sitting apparatus such as a beach chair that causes discomfort. Known back support devices have lumbar support mechanisms. Often these lumbar support mechanisms may be adjusted, such as in an automobile seat, by turning a crank to increase or decrease the amount of lumbar pressure exerted by the mechanism, or by pressing a button which inflates or deflates an inflatable lumbar support. However, these lumbar mechanisms are usually difficult to adjust, and difficult to quantify the amount of adjustments. It would be beneficial to the art to have available a device that can be adapted to fit directly on one&#39;s body or to fit directly on chairs, recliners, and other furniture for providing support to the cervical and/or lumbar regions of the spine where much of the above-described back discomfort and pain are localized. It would also be desirable to have a device where the lumbar support can be easily adjusted, and the amount of adjustment quantifiable. Additionally, existing back support systems designed for seating are typically passive devices, requiring the mass of the user&#39;s body to bear upon them in some fashion for them to provide their supportive function. However, users are often seated or moving about in ways that limit the ability of the back top bear upon the support, for the support to generate sufficient supportive force. There exists a need for a support system that can provide dynamic supportive force to the back through a range of positions. Additionally, while some back support systems can be configured to provide support for a given sitting position—such as in a well-designed office chair—observation and experience indicate that people rarely remain seated in a fixed position, but rather are often shifting position. While people move the typical back support remains fixed, and cannot provide support while users are moving outside the fixed range of the support. There is therefore a need for a support system that can provide support to the user through the typical range of motion of a seated or active upright user.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]     The disclosed apparatus relates to a back and lumbar support apparatus comprising: a semi-rigid central support; a lumbar support slideably attached to the semi-rigid central support; a first panel, with four catenary edges, coupled to the semi-rigid central support; a first strap coupled to the first panel; a second strap coupled to the first panel; and where the first and second straps are configured to adjust in length.  
         [0004]     The disclosed apparatus also relates to a back and lumbar support apparatus comprising: a semi-rigid central support; a first panel, with four catenary edges, coupled to the semi-rigid central support; a first strap coupled to the first panel; a second strap coupled to the first panel; and where the first and second straps are configured to adjust in length.  
         [0005]     The disclosed apparatus, in addition, relates to a back and lumbar support system comprising: a seating apparatus with a first arm, a second arm, a first back member, and a second back member; a first panel, with four catenary edges, coupled to the first back member and to the second back member; a semi-rigid central support coupled to the first panel; a lumbar support slideably attached to the semi-rigid central support; a first strap coupled to the panel and to the first arm; and a second strap coupled to the panel and to the second arm.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]     The present disclosure will be better understood by those skilled in the pertinent art by referencing the accompanying drawings, where like elements are numbered alike in the several figures, in which:  
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus;  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus from  FIG. 1 , with a see-through lumbar support;  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus from  FIG. 1 , with the lumbar support at the top of its travel;  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus from  FIG. 1 , with the lumbar support at the bottom of its travel;  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  is a front view of another embodiment of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus;  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus configured to be worn by a user; and  
         [0013]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus configured for use as part of a seating apparatus. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an embodiment of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus  10 . The back and lumbar support apparatus  10  comprises a semi-rigid central support  14  in slideable communication with a lumbar support  18 . The length of the semi-rigid central support is configured to coincide with the target areas within the lumbar region of the user&#39;s spine while in operation. The semi-rigid central support  14  may be made of aluminum, plastic, nylon or other suitable materials which can be manipulated to change the curvature of the support  14  while maintaining the rigidity necessary to support the user&#39;s spine during use. The lumbar support  18  may ride along this central support in order to adjust to the comfort and support needs of a variety of body shapes. The lumbar support  18  may be made of foam, plastic, or other material which can comfortably provide a level of deformation to allow better conformation to the individual body shape of the user while providing sufficient rigidity to support the user&#39;s lower spine during use. The shape of the lumbar support  18  is such that it contacts the back in such a way as to also nestle vertically into the valley between the columns of muscles surrounding the spine. The dimensions of the adjustable lumbar support are typically between about 2 and about 8 inches in height and about 1 to about 6 inches in breadth.  
         [0015]     The semi-rigid central support  14  is attached to a generally “diamond”-shaped first panel  22  of material. The panel comprises four generally catenary shaped edges  26 ,  30 ,  28 ,  32 . Since the edges  26 ,  30 ,  28 ,  32  form a generally catenary curve shape, the first panel  22  is able to provide a supportive force to a broad area of the back, including the lumbar area. A first strap  34  and a second strap  38  are attached to the first panel  22  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The first strap  34  and second strap  38  may be configured to attach to one another, via any of a variety of known attachment means  35 ,  39 , including but not limited to: side release nylon buckles, and center release buckles. The straps  34 ,  38  will be configured to be adjustable in length, in order to provide or release tension to the straps  34 ,  38 . The generally catenary shaped edges  26 ,  30 ,  28 ,  32  of the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  approximate catenary curves. This overall geometry and related shaping of the outline of the first panel  22  enables a minimum of tension points required to distribute a supportive force to a broad area of the back, including the lumbar area. It also enables the use of malleable structural materials (such as a textiles or plastics) which are deformable to the specific contours of a user&#39;s body, to serve a structural role that would typically need to be provided by rigid materials. Means of adjusting the straps,  35 ,  39  are in communication with the panel  22  and are used as a mechanism of tensioning the back and lumbar support apparatus  10 . The straps  34 ,  38  may be elastic in nature, to provide a dynamic benefit of shifting support when the user is in motion. The role of the means of adjusting the lengths of the straps  35 ,  39  is to enable adjustment of the positioning of the first panel  22  while in use, enabling the invention to provide support over a broader range of postures than conventional furniture and support devices. The inclusion of elastic elements into the straps  34 ,  38  and first panel  22  enable the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  to have a degree of self adjustment as the user shifts position, while still applying a beneficial supportive force to the contour of the spine.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  shows the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , but with the means of slideable communication between the lumbar support  18  and the semi-rigid central support  14  visible. In this view, a sleeve  42  is shown attached to the lumbar support  18 . The sleeve  42  is configured to fit relatively tightly about the semi-rigid central support  14  so that the lumbar support  18  and sleeve  42  can be slid up and down the semi-rigid central support  14 , yet the lumbar support  18  and sleeve  42  will remain in place when not being slid up and down the semi-rigid central support  14 . Thus, a user can adjust the lumbar support  18  simply by moving it either up or down on the semi-rigid central support  14  until the lumbar support  18  is located in a position a user desires. Once the position is located, the sleeve  42  will provide enough grip on the semi-rigid central support  14 , that the lumbar support  18  will remain in place. Additionally, the location of the entire back support apparatus  10  can be adjusted upon the users back through the positioning of tension straps  34  and  38 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , but with the lumbar support  18  moved to an upper position on the semi-rigid central support  14 .  FIG. 4  shows the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , but with the lumbar support  18  moved to a lower position on the semi-rigid central support  14 . Of course, it should be obvious that the lumbar support can be infinitely adjusted along the length of the semi-rigid central support  14 , providing the user infinite adjustment for supporting his or her lumbar region.  
         [0018]     The semi-rigid central support  14  and lumbar support  18  may be fully encased between a second panel (not shown) and the first panel  22 . Additionally, a foam layer may also be located between the second panel and the first panel  22  for increased comfort and improved conformation to the physical shape of the user.  
         [0019]     The second panel may be constructed of a flexible or semi-flexible material such as polyester, nylon, cotton, military webbing material, mesh, foam, plastic, wood or other suitable material. A non-flexible material may also be used to form the second panel if the construction of the second panel allows for the relative movement of the non-flexible sections of the second panel in such a way as to allow for the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  to conform to and provide physical contact with the user as required to provide the desired benefit of a supportive net force beneficial to maintaining the contour of the spine. The first panel  22  may be constructed in a similar manner as the second panel. Additionally, the second panel may be constructed of a flexible or semi-flexible material such as polyester, nylon, cotton, military webbing material, mesh, foam, plastic, wood or other suitable material. The second panel and first panel  22  may be joined together along their edges by sewing, gluing, thermal bonding, or other suitable attachment method. This joining method may also hold in place internal components such as a foam layer, the semi-rigid central support  14  and lumbar support  18 , etc. Although this is described as one embodiment, other embodiments such as a one-piece molded polymer construction are possible that achieve the core utility described in this application.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is another embodiment of the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus  50 . However, rather than having a relatively larger first panel  22  of material as in  FIG. 1 , the panel  54  may have the shown generally smaller shape, with straps  58  and  62  connected to straps  66  and  70  respectively. Thus, with less panel material, the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus  50  may be lighter and cooler than the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . The edges of the panel  54  still form four catenary edges  26 ,  30 ,  28 , 32 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  shows the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus  10  adapted for use directly on a user  80 . The apparatus  10  is tensioned onto the user  80  by shortening one or both of the straps  38 ,  34  (strap  34  not visible in this view) via the attachment means  35 ,  39  (in this embodiment side release nylon buckles). Excess strap  38  is shown hanging from the attachment means  39 ,  35 . The semi-rigid central support  14  is shown in dotted line, as is the sleeve  42 , and lumbar support  18 . Two of the catenary shaped edges  30 ,  32  are visible in this view.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  shows the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus  10  adapted for use in a seating apparatus  84 . The seating apparatus  84  may be a chair, car seat, foldable chair, beach chair, or any other device for sitting. In this Figure, the seating apparatus  84  is a chair. The apparatus  10  is connected to the arms  85 ,  86  of the chair  84  via the attaching means  35 ,  39 . However, in this embodiment, the attaching means  35 ,  39  may be, but not limited to hooks, sleeves, Velcro, or knots tied in the straps  34 ,  38  to hold the straps  34 ,  38  to the arms  85 ,  86 . The straps  34 ,  38  may be tightened via any of variety of known strap adjustment devices  104 ,  108 , including, but not limited to: nylon loops, and nylon buckles. As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , excess lengths of the straps  34 ,  38  are hanging from the strap adjustment devices  104 ,  108 . The chair has two back members  87 ,  88 . The back and lumbar support apparatus  10  is generally held in position by attaching means  90 ,  92 ,  96 ,  100  connecting the rear of the lumbar support apparatus  10  to the back members  87 ,  88 . The attaching means  90 ,  92 ,  96 ,  100  may be elastic, or non-elastic. The attaching means  90 ,  92 ,  96 ,  100  may be attached to the back members  87 ,  88  by any suitable means, including, but not limited to: cords, hooks, sleeves, Velcro, or knots tied in attaching means  90 ,  92 ,  96 ,  100  to hold the attaching means to the back members  87 ,  88 . The attaching means  90 ,  92 ,  96 ,  100  serve to hold the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  in position relative to a user&#39;s back. It should be obvious to one of ordinary skill that the back and lumbar support apparatus  10  may be configured to fit on a seating device that has no arms.  
         [0023]     In operation, one may use the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus  10  to provide a level of comfort while standing, reclining, or sitting. The back and lumbar support apparatus  10  is suitable for use while active or while stationary. It can be used directly by attaching to the body. It may also be used indirectly as a fixed or flexibly mounted component of a seating apparatus or other items that can provide back support. It is configurable for a wide range of body types.  
         [0024]     A primary source of back pain is from muscle fatigue related to maintaining proper contour of the vertebrae of the spine. The spine can be considered as vertical stack of “blocks”—the vertebrae—stabilized primarily by several layers of adjacent muscles, and secondarily by the broader muscle groups of the torso. Successful back support assists back and torso muscles in maintaining the proper contour of the spine, whether seated, reclined, standing, or moving. Since the back is a three-dimensional surface, the most effective back support system is one which provides three-dimensional support.  
         [0025]     The back and lumbar support apparatus  10  provides vertical support which enables both fine and gross adjustment by the deformation of the semi-rigid central support  14  and secondarily by the vertical location of the lumbar support  18  along this semi-rigid central support  14 . Gross adjustment may be provided for example, by the direct reshaping of the profile of the support through bending. Fine adjustment may be achieved through adjusting the height of lumbar support  18 . This gross adjustment is typically made while the device is not in contact with the user. This fine adjustment may be made while the device is not in contact with the user, but may also be made while the device is in contact with the user by pulling an adjustment tab, by pushing an adjustment rod, or by other similar means.  
         [0026]     Resilient and elastic properties of the materials and design further provide individual fit over a wide range of body positions for a wide range of body types.  
         [0027]     The back and lumbar support apparatus  10  provides a tensioning system which includes the engineering benefits of a catenary curve design and horizontal support through the contour of the lumbar support. When the tension is increased on the triangular flaps  27 ,  31  force is transferred to the spine in a way that provides support to a broad area of the back. This is further enhanced by the material selection which allows for self-conforming ability to the individual body shape of the user.  
         [0028]     One tensioning method, for indirect support when the back and lumbar support apparatus is integrated either fixedly or flexibly mounted into a chair, is to have adjustable length straps attached to the triangular flaps  27 ,  31 . The seated user pulls the straps, which distributes the load along a broad portion of the back and promotes conformance to the user&#39;s body to provide a high level and efficient multi-dimensional back support. Additionally, when used indirectly, the additional forces generated by body weight and gravity may also promote additional tensioning and support.  
         [0029]     The horizontal support considers the complex profile of the back for improved function. The horizontal support function is provided by the panel  22  as it wraps around the back under tension from straps  34  and  38 . The generally catenary shaped edges  26 ,  30 ,  28 ,  32  distribute the point loads of the attachment points of straps  34  and  38  across a broad area of the panel  22 . Vertical support is provided by the semi-rigid central support  14  The profile of the back, when seen from the side, appears as a two-dimensional curve. However, the specific shape of the back in the direct region of the spine is more complex. The spine can be considered as vertical stack of “blocks”—the vertebrae—stabilized primarily by several layers of adjacent muscles, and secondarily by the broader muscle groups of the torso. The local muscles of the back appear as two columns of muscles running up either side of the spine itself, the spine in effect representing a valley depressed below the two elevated ridges of muscle. Supports of the back are more effective if they can also nestle vertically into the valley between the columns of muscles, as provided by the disclosed back and lumbar support apparatus  10 .  
         [0030]     It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like may be used herein to modify elements performing similar and/or analogous functions. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.  
         [0031]     While the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.