Ergonomic support device

Abstract

A support device comprises a first band secured to a second band in a cross pattern. A proximal end of the first band and a proximal end of the second band can also be configured to fasten around a waist of a user. Further, a distal end of the first band can be configured to fasten around a first leg of the user, and a distal end of the second band can be configured to fasten around a second leg of the user. The support device may prevent improper and dangerous misalignment of the back, hips and knees while squatting.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a user ergonomic support.

2. Background and Relevant Art

In many occupations, employees are required to repeatedly squat and lift heavy loads. For example, warehouse staff, construction workers, pipefitters, freight workers, and professional movers can spend hours a day alternating between squatting and standing positions. Weightlifters perform a similar action—repeated squatting while lifting heavy weights. Unless the employees of such occupations and weightlifters maintain proper form while squatting and lifting, they risk severe injury to their backs, including muscle and ligament strains, and herniated discs.

Traditional safety and weightlifting back belts can help reduce the risk of back injuries by increasing intra-abdominal pressures, reminding lifters to maintain proper form, and restricting range of motion. However, back belts may also give lifters a false sense of security leading them to lift more weight than they would without the back belts. Further, back belts only target the back, while squatting engages the lifter's hips, leg muscles, and knees.

According, a need in the art exists.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems in the art with systems, methods, and apparatus configured to provide ergonomic support. More specifically, in at least one implementation of the present invention, a support device comprises a first band secured to a second band in a cross pattern. A proximal end of the first band and a proximal end of the second band can also be configured to fasten around a waist of a user. Further, a distal end of the first band can be configured to fasten around a first leg of the user, and a distal end of the second band can be configured to fasten around a second leg of the user.

Additionally, in at least one implementation, a support device includes a waist band configured to fasten around a waist of a user. The support device can also comprise a proximal end of a first lower band and a proximal end of a second lower band that are secured to the waist band. The first lower band and the second lower band can be also secured together in a cross pattern. Also, a distal end of the first lower band can be configured to fasten around a first leg of the user, and a distal end of the second lower band can be configured to fasten around a second leg of the user. The support device can further include a proximal end of a first upper band and a proximal end of a second upper band that are secured to the waist band. The first upper band and the second lower band can be secured together in a cross pattern. A distal end of the first upper band can be configured to fasten around a first arm of the user and a distal end of the second upper band can be configured to fasten around a second arm of the user.

Further, in at least one implementation, a support device comprises a first band secured to a second band in a cross pattern. A proximal end of the first band and a proximal end of the second band can also be configured to fasten around a waist of a user. Further, a distal end of the first band can be configured to fasten around a first arm of the user, and a distal end of the second band can be configured to fasten around a second arm of the user.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an exemplary ergonomic support device;

FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of the exemplary ergonomic support device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the exemplary ergonomic support device shown in FIGS. 1A-1B being worn;

FIG. 2B illustrates a back view of the exemplary ergonomic support device shown in FIGS. 1A-2A being worn;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of an alternative exemplary ergonomic support device being worn;

FIG. 3B illustrates a back view of the alternative exemplary ergonomic support device shown in FIG. 3A being worn;

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of yet another alternative exemplary ergonomic support device being worn; and

FIG. 4B illustrates a back view of the alternative exemplary ergonomic support device shown in FIG. 4A being worn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems in the art with systems, methods, and apparatus configured to provide ergonomic support. More specifically, in at least one implementation of the present invention, a support device comprises a first band secured to a second band in a cross pattern. A proximal end of the first band and a proximal end of the second band can also be configured to fasten around a waist of a user. Further, a distal end of the first band can be configured to fasten around a first leg of the user, and a distal end of the second band can be configured to fasten around a second leg of the user.

In at least one implementation of the present invention, the support device can prevent improper and dangerous misalignment of the back, hips and knees while squatting. The support device can aid in the user's ergonomically correct positioning while performing ordinary lifting motions. Like traditional lifting belts, the waist band of the support device can enhance intra-abdominal pressure in the user, which can move stress away from the user's spine. Compression of the waist can also encourage the user to keep their chest up.

The support band, unlike traditional lifting belts, can include bands that wrap around the user's knees. As the user squats, the crossed bands can stretch across the back of the user causing the knees to be pulled slightly out, thus preventing them from caving inward. The bands wrapped around the knees of the user can prevent injury or provide needed support for those who have suffered knee injuries in the past.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A and 1B show a front view and a back view, respectively, of at least one implementation of the support device 100. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the support device 100 comprises a first band 105 and a second band 110 that are arranged in a cross pattern such that the first and second band 105 and 110 intersect at a point 115. Both the first and second band 105 and 110 include a proximal end 105a and 110a, respectively, and a distal end 105b and 110b, respectively.

The proximal end of the first band 105a and the proximal end of the second band 110a are configured to wrap around the user's waist and be secured together. In at least one implementation, the proximal end of the first band 105a and the proximal end of the second band 110a are secured at a front position around the user's waist. The proximal end of the first band 105a and the proximal end of the second band 110a may be secured using any fastener, including a hook, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, etc. For example, FIG. 1A shows a first proximal hook and loop fastener 120a attached to the proximal end of the first band 105a that can be secured to a second proximal hook and loop fastener 120b attached to the proximal end of the second band 110a (shown in FIG. 1B).

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a horizontal waist band 125 stretches between the proximal end of the first band 105a and the proximal end of the second band 110a before the first and second bands 105 and 110 cross at the point 115.

The distal end of the first band 105b is configured to wrap around a first knee of the user, and the distal end of the second band 110b is configured to wrap around a second knee of the user. The distal end of the first band 105b and the distal end of the second band 110b may be secured around the first and the second knee, respectively, using any fastener, including a hook, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, etc. For example, FIG. 1A shows two first distal hook and loop fasteners 130a—one attached to the distal end of the first band 105b and one attached to the distal end of the second band 110b. The first distal hook and loop fasteners 130a can be secured to two second distal hook and loop fasteners 130b (shown in FIG. 1B) around the user's knees.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrates a front view and a back view, respectively, of the exemplary support device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B worn on a body. FIG. 2A shows the proximal end of the first band 105a and the proximal end of the second band 110a secured at a front position around the user's waist. A portion of the second proximal hook and loop fastener 120b attached to the proximal end of the second band 110a is also shown in FIG. 2A.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the horizontal waist band 125 can provide additional support around the user's waist. Although the horizontal waist band 125 is shown having a smaller width than the first and second bands 105 and 110, the present invention is not so limited. In at least one implementation, the support device does not include a horizontal waist band 125.

FIG. 2B shows the proximal end of the first band 105a extending from the left side of the user's waist, intersecting with the second band at the point 115, and distal end of the first band 105b extending toward the user's right knee. Similarly, FIG. 2B shows the proximal end of the second band 110a extending from the right side of the user's waist, intersecting with the first band at the point 115, and distal end of the second band 110b extending toward the user's left knee. Both FIGS. 2A and 2B show how the distal ends of the first and second bands 105b and 110b wrap around the user's right and left knees, respectively. The two second distal hook and loop fasteners 130b are also shown in FIG. 2A, and can attach to the two first distal hook and loop fasteners 130a (not shown) to secure the distal ends of the first and second bands 105b and 110b around the user's knees.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an alternative support device 300 worn on the body of the user. The alternative support device 300, like the support device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-2B can protect the user from unnecessary strain while lifting. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the alternative support device 300 includes a chest band 305 and two shoulder straps 310.

FIGS. 3A and 3B also show that the alternative support device 300 includes a first and second band 315 and 320 that are arranged in a cross pattern such that the first and second band 315 and 320 intersect at a point 325. Both the first and second band 315 and 320 include a proximal end 315a and 320a, respectively, and a distal end 315b and 320b, respectively.

The proximal end of the first band 315a and the proximal end of the second band 320a are configured to wrap around the user's waist and be secured together. In at least one implementation, the proximal end of the first band 315a and the proximal end of the second band 320a are secured at a front position around the user's waist. The proximal end of the first band 315a and the proximal end of the second band 320a may be secured using any fastener, including a hook, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, etc. For example, a proximal hook and loop fastener 355 is shown in FIG. 3A attached to the proximal end of the first band 315a. Although not shown, a corresponding proximal hook and loop fastener may be on the proximal end of the second band 320a.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a horizontal waist band 330 stretches between the proximal end of the first band 315a and the proximal end of the second band 320a before the first and second bands 315 and 320 cross at the point 325. Like the horizontal waist band 125 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, and 2B, the horizontal waist band 330 can provide additional support around the user's waist. Although the horizontal waist band 330 is shown having a smaller width than the first and second bands 315 and 320, the present invention is not so limited. In at least one implementation, the support device does not include a horizontal waist band 330.

As shown in FIG. 3B, after the first and second bands 315 and 320 intersect at the point 325, the first and second bands 315 and 320 each run through a shoulder strap loop 350 located on the posterior side of each of the shoulder straps 310. More specifically, the proximal end of the first band 315a extends from the right side of the user's waist, intersects with the second band 320 at the point 325, and continues to extend through the shoulder strap loop 350 of shoulder strap 310 on the left shoulder of the user. Similarly, the proximal end of the second band 320a extends from the left side of the user's waist, intersects with the first band 315 at the point 325, and continues to extend through the shoulder strap loop 350 of shoulder strap 310 on the right shoulder of the user.

At elbow straps 335, the first and second bands 315 and 320 may be reinforced by chest straps 340 that extend from the anterior side of the chest band 305 to the posterior side of the elbow straps 335. The elbow straps 335 may include elbow strap loops 345 to secure the first and second bands 315 and 320.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the distal end of the first band 315b is configured to wrap around the user's left arm, and the distal end of the second band 320b is configured to wrap around the user's right arm. The distal end of the first band 315b and the distal end of the second band 320b may be secured around the first and the second arm, respectively, using any fastener, including a hook, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, etc. For example, a distal hook and loop fasteners 360 are shown in FIG. 3A on the distal ends of the first and second bands 315b and 320b. The distal hook and loop fasteners 360 shown in FIG. 3A may be configured to attach to corresponding distal hook and loop fasteners (not shown) nearer the distal end and on the opposite side of the distal ends of the first and second bands 315b and 320b.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate yet another alternative support device 400 worn on the body of the user that can protect the user from unnecessary strain while lifting. The alternative support device 400 is similar to both the support device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-2B and the alternative support device 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the alternative support device 400 includes a waist band 405 that is a secured at a front position around the user's waist. The waist band 405 may be secured using any fastener, including a hook, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, etc. For example, a proximal hook and loop fastener 410 is shown in FIG. 4A attached to the waistband 405. The proximal hook and loop fastener 410 may be configured to attach to a corresponding proximal hook and loop fastener (not shown) on the opposite side of the waistband 405 to secure the waistband 405 around the user's waist.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show that the alternative support device can include a first upper band 415 and a second upper band 420, which each include a proximal end 415a and 420a, respectively, and a distal end 415b and 420b, respectively. The alternative support device 300 can also include a chest band 305 with two attached shoulder straps 310, each with a shoulder strap loop 350 located on the posterior side of the shoulder straps 310.

In FIG. 4B, the proximal end of the first upper band 315a is shown extending from the right side of the user's waist, intersecting with the second upper band 420 at an upper point 425, and continuing to extend through the shoulder strap loop 350 of the shoulder strap 310 on the left shoulder of the user. Similarly, the proximal end of the second upper band 420a is shown extending from the left side of the user's waist, intersecting with the first upper band 415 at the upper point 425, and continuing to extend through the shoulder strap loop 350 of the shoulder strap 310 on the right shoulder of the user.

At elbow straps 335, the first and second upper bands 415 and 420 may be reinforced by chest straps 340 that extend from the anterior side of the chest band 305 to the posterior side of the elbow straps 335. The elbow straps 335 may include elbow strap loops 345 to secure the first and second bands 415 and 420.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the distal end of the first upper band 415b is configured to wrap around the user's left arm, and the distal end of the second upper band 420b is configured to wrap around the user's right arm. The distal end of the first upper band 415b and the distal end of the second upper band 420b may be secured around the first and the second arm, respectively, using any fastener, including a hook, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, etc. For example, a distal hook and loop fasteners 360 are shown in FIG. 4A on the distal ends of the first and second bands 415b and 420b. The distal hook and loop fasteners 360 shown in FIG. 4A may be configured to attach to corresponding distal hook and loop fasteners (not shown) nearer the distal end and on the opposite side of the distal ends of the first and second upper bands 415b and 420b.

The alternative support device 400 can include a first lower band 430 and a second lower band 435, which each include a proximal end 430a and 435a, respectively, and a distal end 430b and 435b, respectively. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the proximal end of the first lower band 430a extending from the left side of the user's waist, intersecting with the second lower band 435 at a lower point 440, and distal end of the first lower band 430b extending toward the user's right knee. Similarly, FIGS. 4A and 4B show the proximal end of the second lower band 435a extending from the right side of the user's waist, intersecting with the first lower band 430 at the lower point 440, and distal end of the second band 435b extending toward the user's left knee. The distal ends of the first and second bands 430b and 435b can also wrap around the user's right and left knees, respectively. Two second distal hook and loop fasteners 130b are also shown in FIG. 4A, which can attach to two first distal hook and loop fasteners 130a (not shown) to secure the distal ends of the first and second lower bands 430b and 435b around the user's knees.

The proximal ends of the first and second upper bands 415a and 420a and the proximal ends of the first and second lower bands 430a and 435a may be adjustably secured to the waistband so the user may further adjust the fit of the alternative support device 400.

In at least one implementation of the present invention, the support device 100 or the alternative support devices 300 and 400 are composed of a durable spandex, polyester, or nylon compression material, or a combination thereof.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that FIGS. 2A-4B are merely exemplary the present invention is not limited a specific positioning of the support device 100 and alternative support devices 300 and 400 on the user's body. The positioning of the support device 100 and alternative support devices 300 and 400 will vary depending on the user's body and preferences.

In at least one implementation of the present invention, the support device 100, or the alternative support device 300 or 400 is worn on a body robot. The support device 100, or the alternative support device 300 or 400 may increase the strength and lifting ability of the body robot as well as protect it from potential damage during lifting.

Additional features may also be included to the support device 100 or alternative support devices 300 or 400. For example, a durable latex or polymer coating can be added to the distal ends of the first and second bands 105b and 110b or the distal ends of the first and second lower bands 430a and 435a to serve as knee pads for manual laborers or gardeners. In at least one implementation, the support device 100 or alternative support devices 300 or 400 include reflective fabric. The addition of reflective fabric may further increase the safety of manual laborers wearing the support device 100 or alternative support device 300 or 400, especially is low-light conditions.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A support device comprising: a first band secured to a second band at an area forming a cross pattern;a proximal end of the first band and a proximal end of the second band are configured to contact a waist of a body of a user;a horizontal waist band is configured to wrap around the user's waist, wherein the horizontal waist band is secured to both the first band and the second band; anda distal end of the first band is configured to fasten around a first leg of the user's body and a distal end of the second band is configured to fasten around a second leg of the user's body,wherein a point of connection where the horizontal waist band connects to the first band is closer to the area forming the cross pattern than to the proximal end of the first band,wherein the first band includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment is configured to exert a first force upon an outside lateral part of a first hip of the user and the second segment is configured to exert a second outward pulling force upon an outside lateral part of the user's first leg, the first leg being on an opposite side of the user's body than the first hip, andwherein, as a result of the second segment being configured to exert the second outward pulling force upon the outside lateral part of the user's first leg as opposed to being configured to exert an inward pulling force upon a posterior part of the user's first leg or an inside lateral part of the user's first leg, the second outward pulling force is configured to cause the outside lateral part of the user's first leg to be pulled in an outward direction away from the user's body resulting in the user's first leg being prevented from caving inward.

2. The support device of claim 1, wherein: the distal end of the first band is configured to fasten around the first leg of the user substantially near a first knee of the user; andthe distal end of the second band is configured to fasten around the second leg of the user substantially near a second knee of the user.

3. The support device of claim 1, wherein hook and loop fasteners are configured to secure the support device around the user's waist.

4. The support device of claim 1, wherein hook and loop fasteners are configured to secure the distal end of the first band to the first leg of the user and the distal end of the second band to the second leg of the user.

5. The support device of claim 1, wherein a point where the first band and the second band intersect is configured to be positioned on a posterior side of the user when the support device is secured to the user.

6. The support device of claim 1, wherein a point of connection where the horizontal waist band connects to the second band is closer to the area forming the cross pattern than to the proximal end of the second band.

7. A support device configured to provide a user ergonomic support, said support device comprising: a first band secured to a second band at an area forming a cross pattern;a proximal end of the first band and a proximal end of the second band are configured to contact a waist of a body of a user;a horizontal waist band is configured to wrap around the user's waist, wherein the horizontal waist band is secured to both the first band and the second band; anda distal end of the first band is configured to fasten around a first leg of the user's body and a distal end of the second band is configured to fasten around a second leg of the user's body,wherein a point of connection where the horizontal waist band connects to the second band is closer to the area forming the cross pattern than to the proximal end of the second band,wherein the first band includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment is configured to exert a first force upon an outside lateral part of a first hip of the user and the second segment is configured to exert a second outward pulling force upon an outside lateral part of the user's first leg, the first leg being on an opposite side of the user's body than the first hip, andwherein, as a result of the second segment being configured to exert the second outward pulling force upon the outside lateral part of the user's first leg as opposed to being configured to exert an inward pulling force upon a posterior part of the user's first leg or an inside lateral part of the user's first leg, the second outward pulling force is configured to cause the outside lateral part of the user's first leg to be pulled in an outward direction away from the user's body resulting in the user's first leg being prevented from caving inward.

8. The support device of claim 7, wherein a width of the horizontal waist band is different than a width of either one of the first band or the second band.

9. The support device of claim 7, wherein a width of the horizontal waist band is different than a first width of the first band and is different than a second width of the second band.

10. The support device of claim 7, wherein a length of the horizontal waist band is substantially smaller than a length of the first band.

11. The support device of claim 7, wherein a length of the horizontal waist band is substantially smaller than a length of the second band.

12. The support device of claim 7, wherein a point of connection where the horizontal waist band connects to the first band is closer to the area forming the cross pattern than to the proximal end of the first band.

13. The support device of claim 7, wherein a point of connection where the horizontal waist band connects to the first band is closer to the area forming the cross pattern than to the proximal end of the first band.

14. A support device configured to provide a user ergonomic support, said support device comprising: a first band secured to a second band at an area forming a cross pattern;a proximal end of the first band and a proximal end of the second band are configured to contact a waist of a body of a user;a horizontal waist band is configured to wrap around the user's waist, wherein a length of the horizontal waist band is substantially smaller than a length of either one of the first band or the second band, and wherein the horizontal waist band is secured to both the first band and the second band,wherein a point of connection where the horizontal waist band connects to the first band is closer to the area forming the cross pattern than to the proximal end of the first band,wherein the first band includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment is configured to exert a first force upon an outside lateral part of a first hip of the user and the second segment is configured to exert a second outward pulling force upon an outside lateral part of the user's first leg, the first leg being on an opposite side of the user's body than the first hip, andwherein, as a result of the second segment being configured to exert the second outward pulling force upon the outside lateral part of the user's first leg as opposed to being configured to exert an inward pulling force upon a posterior part of the user's first leg or an inside lateral part of the user's first leg, the second outward pulling force is configured to cause the outside lateral part of the user's first leg to be pulled in an outward direction away from the user's body resulting in the user's first leg being prevented from caving inward.

15. The support device of claim 14, wherein, when the support device is worn by a user, the area forming the cross pattern is configured to be disposed at a location between a knee of the user and a gluteus of the user.

16. The support device of claim 14, wherein the area forming the cross pattern is located closer to the proximal end of the first band than to the distal end of the first band.

17. The support device of claim 14, wherein the area forming the cross pattern is located closer to the proximal end of the second band than to the distal end of the second band.

18. The support device of claim 14, wherein: a first length of the first band extends between the proximal end of the first band and the area forming the cross pattern,a second length of the first band extends between the area forming the cross pattern and the distal end of the first band, andthe second length is longer than the first length.

19. The support device of claim 14, wherein a point of connection where the horizontal waist band connects to the second band is closer to the area forming the cross pattern than to the proximal end of the second band.