The present invention relates to a lumbar support that is durable, cost effective to manufacture and has improved operating characteristics.
Published United States Patent 2004/0104610 discloses a lumbar support device having a series of adjustable straps extending between the side portions of a molded shell. The straps extend across the shell and are adjustable in length to provide a customized fit for the back profile of a user and in particular, to provide proper support for the lumbar region of the user. The device includes a full cover over the face of the device such that the straps between the side portions of the shell are positioned and hidden behind the cover. Typically, the cover includes a foam cushion member between the straps and the cover providing an effective insulation layer and heat retention adjacent the user's back can be a problem.
Our own U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,717 discloses an improved arrangement where the straps are biased when the straps are released to automatically return the straps to an initial position in preparation for custom fitting by a user. The cover and the foam layer provide a drag on the straps returning to the initial position, such that the bias members must be relatively strong and costly.
Each of the above lumbar supports include the full cover providing a finished front face to the lumbar support as well as a finished face to the rear of the support device. In the case of our own patent, the full fitted cover provides additional resistance to the straps returned to the initial position and thus, the biasing member provided for each strap, must be relatively strong. Furthermore, the fabric cover includes an intermediate foam cushion layer, further increasing the drag and heat retention can cause some user inconvenience.
The lumbar support of the present invention provides improved durability of the device.
A lumbar support according to the present invention includes a molded plastic shell of a shallow U-shape defined by a rear portion with two forwardly extending side portions. A series of adjustable straps extend between the side portions of the molded shell adjacent a forward edge of each side portion and positioned in front of, and spaced from, the rear portion. Each strap is independently adjustable in length across the shell to allow setting thereof to accommodate setting thereof to the back profile of a user. Each strap is lockable relative to the shell to secure the strap in a set position of the user. The lumbar support includes a cushion member supported by these straps and defining a front face of the lumbar support. The lumbar support includes an open air circulation channel between the rear portion of the shell and the straps.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the cushion member terminates inwardly of each side portion and defines side air circulation portions between the side portions of the molded shell and the cushion member.
In a further aspect of the invention, the cushion member is a sleeve with the straps passing through the sleeve.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the sleeve includes a central seam extending across the sleeve with some of the straps positioned to one side of the central seam. Other straps positioned to an opposite side of the central seam.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the cushioned sleeve is sized to generally correspond to the vertical dimensions between an upper strap and a lower strap of such straps.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
The lumbar support 2 shown in
The straps 20 are adjustable in length to allow a user to set each of the straps at a particular length to provide the necessary customized support for the user's lower back profile. The straps are essentially non elastic to provide firm support at the desired position. The straps are of a fixed non yielding length across said shell when the straps are secured in a fitted configuration.
The straps as shown in
In the embodiment as shown in
The cushion sleeve 22 preferably includes a central seam 24 with two of the straps 20 being retained in an upper passageway 26 of the sleeve and two straps retained in a lower passageway 28 of the sleeve. This arrangement allows the straps 20 to support the cushion sleeve 22 and generally retain this cushion sleeve in a central position. The straps can essentially freely pass through the sleeve to allow adjustment. The sleeve essentially slides on the support straps and allows the straps to be set at different lengths. This slide support allows length adjustment to occur at one side of the lumbar support. The cushion sleeve preferably includes a fabric type outer face and a thin foam back. Different sleeves can be used for different applications such as indoor versus outdoor appliances.
The lumbar support as shown in
The lumbar support as described with respect to
The “U” shaped member 54 has a snug interference type fit with the securing lug 56 formed in the rear of the shell. In addition, the “U” shaped member 54 is effectively trapped between the opposed stiffening channels 58 and 60. Thus, the “U” shaped member 54 in cooperation with the lug 56 provides an effective simple means for securing of the strap to the shell. When a user presses on a strap 20 with the strap effectively locking by a buckle 59 at one side of the shell, the “U” shaped member 54 in cooperation with the lug 56, secure the opposite end of the strap. When the buckle is released, the elastic biased member 50 draws the strap to a partially drawn state across the face of the shell and defines an initial position to allow a user to adjust the length of the straps.
A further advantage of the lumbar support, in addition to the improved durability and improved air circulation, is the immediate understanding of how the device is to be used by a user. The exposed straps either side of the cushion sleeve 22 and the exposed buckles on the rear surface of the shell, allow a user to easily understand how the device operates. With the prior art arrangements, the full cover provided on the lumbar support hid the working components and, a user did not necessarily appreciate the ease of adjustment or the different principles of operation of the support. With a full cover, a user mistakenly assumed the lumbar support had the traditional foam cushion insert.
With the exposed straps and simplified cushion member, a user readily appreciates the functionality of the device and is more likely to consider the purchase of the device. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs have been significantly reduced with improved operational characteristics.
The lumbar support with the series of adjustable straps is the preferred structure but other support substrates can be used, including substrates that have some elasticity. The air circulation channel or channels would still reduce heat build up and make the support more convenient to use. The floating cushion support is optional but preferred.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2552674 | Jul 2006 | CA | national |