Selective Stabilization Seatback Support Assembly

Abstract

A selective stabilization seatback support assembly includes a back plate member or generally rigid back plate member having a plurality of adjustable, positionable cushion elements attachable to the inside surface thereof to provide unique and selective cushioning of a person positioned in the seat. The device is attachable to pre-existing seatbacks such as provided for chairs, wheelchairs, automobile seats and the like.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus or assembly designed to enable selective stabilization of a seat back support or brace. The assembly is attachable to the back of a chair or seat such as an automobile seatback or wheel chair seatback. The assembly is designed to enable placement of various elements in a desired or selective manner or pattern in order to provide therapeutic relief and support to or for the back an individual positioned on a seat to which the assembly is attached.

Heretofore, there have been various proposals for chair or seatback support devices or assemblies that may be combined with an existing seat such as an automobile seat, chair, wheelchair or the like. Thus lumbar support and seatback supports which are transportable and which may be added to or incorporated with an existing seat are known. It is also known that such seatback supports or assemblies may be therapeutic or orthopedic and may also be adjustable by virtue of mechanical or other adjustment techniques. Assemblies may be incorporated in automobile seats which enable mechanical adjustments by means of levers or by the use of air cushions which are selectively inflatable. The following is a listing of patents in this general category of seatback support systems: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,463,544, entitled “Orthopedic Seat Back”, issued Aug. 26, 1969; 4,718,724, entitled Lumbar Support for Seat Attachment”, issued Jan. 12, 1988; 5,299,851, entitled “Adjustable Cushion Assembly for a Chair”, issued Apr. 5, 1994; 5,348,378, entitled “Pressure Balanced Torsion System for a Backseat and the Like, issued Sep. 20, 1994; 5,468,048, entitled “Seat Back with Adjustable Support”, issued Nov. 21, 1995; 6,036,265, entitled “Shape-Adjusting Mechanism for Backrest”, issued Mar. 14, 2000; 6,056,360, entitled “Adjustable Lumbar Seat Support”, issued May 2, 2000; 6,158,815, entitled “Seat Having a Seat Cushion Including a Polyurethane Form Pad onto a Portion of which a Stretchable, Nonwoven Fabric is Laminated”, issued Dec. 12, 2000; 6,419,318, entitled “Chair Having an Adjustable Lumbar Mechanism”, issued Jul. 16, 2002; 6,550,859, entitled “Backrest Device for a Vehicle Seat”, issued Apr. 22, 2003; and 6,866,340, entitled “Spinal Glide Ergonomic Chair Seat and Pelvic Stabilizer”, issued Mar. 15, 2005.

Despite the abundance of the prior art patents, there exists the need for enhanced adjustability and simplicity of construction of a seatback support assembly. In addition, portability of such an assembly is a desired feature. A further desired feature is the ability to incorporate such an assembly with multiple types of seating arrangements. In other words, a support assembly which has generally universal applicability is a desired characteristic of such a seatback support system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly the present invention comprises a selective stabilization seatback support assembly. A basic component of the support assembly is a plate member which is designed to generally conform with the shape of a seatback and thus has a vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension. A typical configuration for such a plate member is rectangular and planar. However, such a plate member may be curved and assume various configurations or shapes though the plate member is appropriately characterized as having a vertical axis as well as a horizontal axis.

The plate member includes a support surface or inside surface having an array of fastening elements incorporated thereon or therein. Various types of fastening elements may be arrayed in a matrix on the inside surface. Hook and loop fastener material constitutes an example; however, there are numerous other examples including an array or a pattern of fasteners and/or fastener openings provided in the plate member. The array of fastener elements on the inside surface or through the inside surface of the plate member is typically a non-random array. That is, the array typically constitutes a particular or desired pattern which enables cooperation of the fastener elements with separate cushion elements which may be positioned at substantially an infinite number of positions and in an infinite number of orientations on the inside surface of the plate member. The cushion members themselves may have multiple configurations and shapes and may vary in the “softness” or compressibility. Cushion members may be thus, attached to the plate member by means of hook and loop fastener material by way of example. The variety and type of cushion members or support members is not generally restricted. The shapes of the cushion members, their density, compressibility and dimensions are all variables which may be considered for placement on the inside surface of the back support plate member. As such, the combination of described elements provides infinite options for custom design of a selective stabilization seatback support assembly.

Ancillary support members may also be fastened to the plate member to provide for lateral support of an individual utilizing the support assembly of the invention. Additionally, ancillary features may include mechanisms attachable to the plate member which enable fastening of the plate member to the arms or other elements of a wheelchair or automobile seat or the like. The additional attachment members may constitute straps or alternatively rigid attachment mechanisms such as locking bars or the like.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved, selective stabilization seatback support assembly which enables the design of a customized orthopedic and/or therapeutic seatback support for use in combination with multiple types of seats.

A further object of the invention is to provide a seatback support assembly which is easily assembled and adjusted and which is cost effective.

A further object of the invention is to provide a selective stabilization seatback support assembly which may be used with or in combination with a variety of types of seats by attachment to the back or vertical element of a seat such as a chair.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive, rugged, stable and easily assembled selective stabilization seatback support assembly.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures:

FIG. 1 is isometric view of an embodiment of a seatback support assembly illustrating the matrix of fastening elements and cushion elements attached to the inside surface of the plate member forming the seatback assembly and further illustrating a means for attachment of the seatback support assembly to the vertical element of a seat such as a chair;

FIG. 2 is a inside surface plan view of the generally rigid plate member element of the seatback support assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plate member of FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an auxiliary support element which may be attached to the plate member of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a further support element which may be attached to the plate member of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another support member attached to a plate member of the type depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a member for attachment of the plate member to a seat, for example, the seat of a wheelchair to thereby maintain the plate member in a relatively fixed position and attached to a seatback;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view illustrating the attachment of a selective stabilization back support assembly of FIG. 1 to a wheelchair wherein an attachment bar or mechanism, depicted in FIG. 7, is utilized to facilitate the attachment;

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view the attachment of the seatback support assembly to a chair such as a deck chair; and

FIG. 10 is an isometric view illustrating the attachment of the embodiment of the seatback support assembly to an automobile seat.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the embodiment of the selective stabilization seatback support assembly includes a back plate member 14 which includes or is defined by a vertical axis 16 and a horizontal axis 18. The plate member 14 is generally rigid but may display some flexibility. The plate member 14 typically is a flat planar member and is generally rectangular in configuration. However, the plate member 14 may be slightly arcuate. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the plate member may be in the shape of a curve or a shallow concave curve with the lateral sides 20 and 22 positioned more forwardly than the center portion between the lateral sides 20 and 22. Further, the plate member 14 may have a configuration such as a trapezoidal configuration or an hour glass configuration or some other configuration deemed appropriate with respect to the utility of the assembly. That is the configuration of the chairs or seats into which the assembly is to be placed may dictate the configuration of the plate member 14. The size of the person using the device may be a factor regarding the size and configuration of the plate member 14. The plate member typically includes the vertical axis 18 and a transverse axis 16 as well as a medial line 17. Generally, the plate 14 is symmetrical about the medial line 17, but may be non-symmetrical.

The plate member 14 includes a plurality of fastening elements such as hook and loop fastening elements 24 arranged on the inside surface 26 in a pattern that defines a fastening matrix or pattern which is typically a regular pattern. That is the pattern in the example depicted includes equally spaced, vertical strips of hook and loop fastening material 24. It is noted that the hook and loop fastener material 24 constitutes a vertical array of elements. The invention is not limited to such an array. The array may be horizontal or in some other pattern.

In addition to the array of hook and loop fastener material 24 located on the inside surface 26, an array of fastener openings 28 is provided though the plate member 14. The openings 28 constitute an array, in this particular instance, located intermediate the adjacent strips of hook and loop fastener material 24. The openings 28 thus form a matrix of fastening elements or fastening features for the plate member 14.

The assembly further includes various cushion elements such as cushioning elements 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38. The cushioning elements 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 comprise spongy or elastic material having hook and loop fastener material 40 included on the inner surface thereof for cooperation of the hook and loop fastener material 24 attached to plate member 14. In this manner, the various cushion elements or cushion support elements 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 may be affixed to the inside surface of the plate member 14. The positioning and/or repositioning of the array of the cushions or cushioning members 30-38 is determined by the needs of the individual that will be utilizing the assembly. A specialist in orthopedics or physical therapy techniques with respect to back health may facilitate the placement of the cushion members 30-38. Thus, the device may be used by health practitioners as well as individuals who may adjust the placement and positioning of the cushions 30-38 as well as the selection of the type of cushions including their hardness, density, size configuration and the like. A kit comprising the components described may thus be made available to individuals for their own customized personal use and seatback support design.

The assembly further includes means for fastening the plate member 14 to the back side of a seat. Such means may include cords 42, 44 attached respectively to the lower side and upper side of the plate member 14. Other means for attachment are described hereinafter and include clamps which may fit over the top side of a seatback as well as structural members such as illustrated and discussed with respect to the disclosure in FIG. 7 for fixed attachment of the plate member 14 to a chair or the like.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate further elements such as lateral support elements or cushion elements which may be fastened or attached to the plate member 14. In FIG. 4, an L-shaped bracket 50 includes a cushion element 52 affixed to one leg of the L. An attachment leg 54 of the L-shape bracket 50 includes openings such as opening 56 through which a fastener 58 may be attached to thereby affix the bracket 50 to the plate member 14. A series of fasteners may be utilized or the bracket 50 may include projecting pins which fit through the openings 28.

In similar fashion, the support of FIG. 5 comprises a bracket 60 having an attachment leg 62 and a cushion support leg 64. With cushions 66 and 68 positioned thereon. Note that the cushion 66 is affixed to the bracket leg 64 by means of hook and loop fastener material 70 thereby permitting adjustment of the cushion element 66. Again, the configuration size, shape and dimensions of the cushion members such as member 66 may vary in accord with desire, design and need. The brackets such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 typically provide lateral support for an individual positioned with their back against the inside surface 26 of the plate member 14.

FIG. 6 discloses a further combination of lateral support members 72 and 74 which are depicted attached to a selected portion of plate member 14. The lateral support members 74 and 76 are arcuate at their outer extreme ends and include cushion material such as cushion material 76 again to provide lateral support for an individual seated against the plate member 14 and leaning against a lateral support member.

FIG. 7 illustrates an attachment bracket 80 which may be affixed to the outside surface 82 of the plate member 14. That is the, bracket 80 includes fasteners which fit through the openings 28 to attach the bracket 80 to the outside surface of the plate member 14. Bifurcated end extensions 84 and 86 are retained on the main bracket bar 81 by means of a fastener 88. This permits adjustment and fastening of the bifurcated extensions 84 and 86 to fit around the vertical chair back elements such as elements 90 and 92 of the wheelchair 94 depicted in FIG. 8. A bracket such as the bracket 80 may be utilized to fix the lower end of the plate member 14 as well as the upper end of the plate 14 to the vertical elements or bars 90 and 92.

FIG. 9 depicts the attachment of the support assembly by means of straps 96 to a back side 98 of a chair.

FIG. 10 illustrates the attachment of the assembly to an automobile seat. In this embodiment, the plate 14 may be attached by means of a cords or straps as well as semi-circular brackets 100 and 102 which fit over the top of the back seat cushion of the vehicle seat 104.

Thus, there are numerous methods and ways to attach the assembly to various types of seats. There are multiple types and configurations, shapes, sizes and characteristics that can be associated with the cushion elements. The shape of the plate member 14 may be adjusted or altered in numerous ways. Important features of the invention are, however, the utilization of a mechanism which enables fastening of multiple types of cushion elements in multiple arrays upon the inside surface of a seatback support plate. Thus, while there have been set forth various embodiments and features of the invention, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A selective stabilization seatback support assembly comprising: a generally rigid plate member having a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, an inside surface and an outside surface;a fastener element array on the inside surface;at least one positionable cushion member attachable to the fastener element array and capable of being attachable to and detachable from the fastener element array, said cushion member characterized by being positionable in diverse orientations and positions on the inside surface and retention by the fastener array.

2. The assembly wherein the fastener element array comprises hook and loop fastener material and the cushion member includes hook and loop fastener material for attachment thereof to the fastener element array.

3. The assembly of claim 1 comprising at least two separate cushion members having distinct configurations.

4. The assembly of claim 2 comprising at least two separate cushion members having distinct configurations.

5. The assembly of claim 1 further including a chair attachment assembly.

6. The assembly of claim 1 including a strap attached to the plate member for attachment of the plate onto a chair.

7. The assembly of claim 1 including a bracket member attachable to the plate, said bracket member including means for attachment to a chair.

8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the cushion member extends in a direction outwardly from the inside surface and laterally from the plate member to provide lateral engagement of a person positioned against the inside surface.

9. The assembly of claim 1 further including a pattern of attachment openings in the plate member for attachment of cushion members.

10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the plate member is generally rectangular and includes an array of hook and loop fastening material on the inside surface and a pattern of fastener opening in the inside surface, and wherein at least two distinctly configured cushion members are attached to the inside surface.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein at least one of the cushion members is comprised of an in elastic bracket with at least a portion of the bracket including a cushion material.

12. The assembly of claim 2 wherein at least one of the cushion members is comprised of a bracket with at least a portion of the bracket including a cushion material.