U.S. patent application number 10/024192 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-26 for back support device with surgical area protection.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Idea People LLC. Invention is credited to Stewart, Kenneth G. III, Sweeney, Thomas.
Application Number | 20030115658 10/024192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21819327 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030115658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart, Kenneth G. III ; et
al. |
June 26, 2003 |
BACK SUPPORT DEVICE WITH SURGICAL AREA PROTECTION
Abstract
A portable back support device for providing vertebrae
decompression support and therapeutic heating and/or cooling while
preventing pressure against an incision or injured portion of the
back. The support device can be made adjustable to fit different
size persons.
Inventors: |
Stewart, Kenneth G. III;
(Sarasota, FL) ; Sweeney, Thomas; (Sarasota,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG
750-17TH STREET NW
SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
The Idea People LLC
|
Family ID: |
21819327 |
Appl. No.: |
10/024192 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/425 20130101;
A61G 5/12 20130101; A61G 7/05723 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/94 |
International
Class: |
A41D 003/02; A41D
001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A portable back support device for applying pressure to an area
of a person's back while substantially eliminating pressure from a
prescribed area of the back comprising, at least one first panel
and a plurality of second panels all connected to form a cover
shaped to be placed on the back of a human torso, the first panel
forming a recessed covering for the prescribed area of the person's
anatomy and being shaped to accept tensional loading but not
compressional loading, the plurality of second panels each having a
thickness greater than the first panel, and fasteners connected to
the first and/or second panels for securing the device in a
position to enable supportive pressure to be applied to a desired
first back area without applying any supportive pressure to the
prescribed area.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the second panels
has one or more pockets for removably inserting a pack of a hot or
cold temperature retaining material.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the temperature retaining material
is a heated or cooled gel pack.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the panels are arranged and
designed to apply decompressive forces to the vertebrae.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the fasteners are straps for
firmly holding the device in place.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the straps firmly hold the device
to a furniture part.
7. The device of claim 5 wherein the straps firmly hold the device
to a human torso.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the straps are adjustable.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein the adjustability is provided by
hook and loop type closures.
10. The device of claim 1 having adjustment for expanding, or
contracting, the vest to accommodate persons of larger, or smaller,
girth and taller or shorter persons.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein panels can be added or
removed.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein at least two of the second panels
adjacent the first panel are at least 1/2 to three inches thicker
than the first panel.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the second panels
tapers in thickness with the thickest being adjacent the first
panel.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein the first panel has a support for
removably holding a dressing.
15. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second panels are
arranged so that the supportive pressure is applied to the first
back area which is on two sides of the prescribed area.
16. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second panels are
arranged so that the supportive pressure is applied to the first
back area which substantially surrounds the prescribed area.
17. The device of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of one of the
panels is made of an elastic material to provide a better fit.
18. The device of claim 1 wherein the first panel comprises an air
permeable member.
19. A portable back support device for applying pressure to an area
of a person's back while substantially eliminating pressure from a
prescribed area of the back comprising, at least one first panel
and a plurality of second panels all connected to form a cover
shaped to be placed on the back of a human torso, the first panel
comprising an air permeable material forming a recessed covering
for the prescribed area of the person's anatomy and being shaped to
accept tensional loading but not compressional loading, the
plurality of second panels each having a thickness greater than the
first panel, with each second panel being at least 1/2 to three
inches thicker than the first panel, at least two of the second
panels being thicker than any other panels and being adjacent the
first panel, and fasteners connected to the first and/or second
panels for securing the device in a position to enable supportive
pressure to be applied to a desired first back area without
applying any supportive pressure to the prescribed area.
20. The device of claim 20 wherein at least one of the second
panels has one or more pockets containing a removable pack of a hot
or cold temperature retaining material for applying therapeutic
thermal treatment.
21. A portable back support device for applying pressure to an area
of a person's back while substantially eliminating pressure from a
prescribed area of the back comprising, at least one first panel
and a plurality of second panels all connected to form a cover
shaped to be placed on the back of a human torso, the first panel
comprising an air permeable material forming a recessed covering
for the prescribed area of the person's anatomy, the plurality of
second panels each having a thickness greater than the first panel,
and fasteners connected to the first and/or second panels for
securing the device in a position to enable supportive pressure to
be applied to a desired first back area without applying any
supportive pressure to the prescribed area.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a back support device which applies
supportive pressure to desired areas of a person's back in a manner
which protects a prescribed area of the back from pressure due to
contact with other objects.
[0003] More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable
back support device which is portable and can be used basically
anywhere, in any setting as needed to provide support for a
person's back while avoiding the application of pressure or contact
in a sensitive area such as where surgery has been performed. The
device is useful for persons recovering from back surgery or those
with a back injury.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,251 discloses a wheel chair having a
sling construction back support and a cushioning arrangement for
providing support to the side of the sling opposite the person's
back. The cushioning arrangement is configured to modify the
support provided by the sling. The cushioning arrangement adjusts
the distribution of support provided to the occupant by the
upholstery of the backrest to contour the sitting profile of the
wheelchair occupant. The cushioning arrangement does not contact
the person's back, but modifies the support provided by the
sling.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,625 discloses a protective vest having
cooling means comprising a plurality of elongated pockets on front
and back panels, each of which has an opening to receive a cooling
pack into the pocket. In one embodiment, each pocket has inner and
outer walls with a structural layer and an insulation layer. The
insulation layer of the inner wall inhibits too rapid cooling of
the user's torso which might otherwise occur during cooling by the
gel packs. The vest is not designed to distribute pressure as
described with respect to the present invention.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,414 discloses a back brace of elastic
material which carries a gel pad and an air bladder with three
individually inflatable chambers, including left, right, and
overall areas, so that the user may adjust the pressure exerted on
the pad and hence the support of the lower back. The gel pad may
also contain an adjustable heating element to electrically heat the
gel-like material. The back brace does not have a panel which
applies pressure except in a prescribed area and which relieves
spinal pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention is directed to a portable back support device
for applying back supportive pressure selectively such that a
confined area is not subject to the supportive pressure of the
other areas. The device also assists in reducing gravitational, or
other, compression of the vertebrae in a person's spine.
[0009] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of one embodiment according to the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of
the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows the invention attached to a chair.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing additional advantageous
aspects of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a
vest-like support device which is designed to be strapped around
the waist or over the shoulders. The device is easily adjustable by
adding or removing panels to add width or length, thus
accommodating persons of different size. The panels depicted in the
drawing are of similar size and shape, however, it should be
evident that panels of different lengths, widths and shapes are
contemplated. The device is generally shaped to fit the human torso
and covers the back from shoulders to hips. The device includes
structure which prevents pressure on a prescribed back area, such
as an area which has been sutured or is otherwise recovering from
injury or surgery. Contact with a sutured healing area can also
cause irritation and prevents contact with air that promotes
healing.
[0015] The supportive device is also designed to relieve pressure
on a person's vertebrae.
[0016] A person recovering from back surgery must be able to sit or
lie in a back resting position without having pressure against the
surgically recovering portion of the vertebrae. This is important
for people recuperating at home and can be particularly important
for persons who have returned to work and perform desk work such as
secretaries, draftsmen, and the like whose seating arrangements
would otherwise press against the back area where surgery has been
performed.
[0017] The present invention provides a portable support device
which may be used to provide acceptable support and comfort for a
person while seated or lying down.
[0018] An optional feature is to provide a back support device that
relieves compressive forces on the vertebrae.
[0019] A further additional feature is providing a sleep garment
which protects a portion of a person's back (having stitches, etc.)
from pressures and contact with different objects encountered when
lying prone and turning while asleep.
[0020] Yet another aspect of the invention is that it allows
mobility for persons recovering from, for example, spine surgery
whereby they are able to use mass transit, their own personal
automobile, etc. so as to be able to lean back against a seat or
other support without pressure on, or contact with, portions of the
person's back side.
[0021] The device also provides hot or cold pressure to assist in
recovery from back surgery or to relieve back discomfort.
[0022] As seen in FIG. 1 of the drawing there is shown a device or
garment 1 having five vertically extending panels. The garment is
made out of a typically light-weight but strong fabric like nylon,
polyester or similar material. Portions of the garment may be of an
elastic material to provide a better fit. The five panels 2-6 may
be sewn together or releasably fastened together. In this
construction of the center panel 4 it is generally air permeable so
that air can promote healing of the affected area. The center panel
4 is made of two layers of thin mesh-like material with the space
between the layers being accessible for insertion and removal of an
absorbent pad or dressing 7. Pad 7 may reside between the mesh
layers, be hung on the mesh on the side next to the person or be
affixed (taped, etc.) to the person over the sutured incision.
[0023] The panels 2-3 and 5-6 on either side of the center panel 4
have a thickness of 1/2 inch to three inches greater than the
thickness of the center panel. All of the panels need not be of the
same thickness. It is best if the thickest panels are adjacent the
center panel. Thus, for example, mesh panel 4 is the thinnest,
panels 3 and 5 the thickest and panels 2 and 6 of a lesser
thickness than panels 3 and 5. These side panels are made of two
layers of material joined together along three sides with the
fourth side open such that a pocket is formed (see FIG. 4). With
the pocket being recessed from the front, no undesirable contact
with the person's anatomy at that location occurs.
[0024] The pocket may be filled with an inflatable bag, with foam
rubber or provided with a hot/cold gel pack. A suitable gel thermal
pack that may be heated or cooled is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,756,311. The panels and pockets may vary in shape, size and
number.
[0025] When the garment is placed on a persons back such that the
center panel overlies the vertebrae the thickness of the adjacent
panels prevents pressure on the center panel area when the person
is seated or lying down. The pressure against the persons back is
against the thicker side panels, not the portion of their back
covered by the center panel 4. Thus the center panel will cover an
incision area while at the same time avoiding pressure being
applied to the incision area. The difference in thickness between
the center and adjacent panels is great enough to permit a dressing
to cover the sutured area without pressure.
[0026] Straps 8 are also shown in FIG. 1 connected to the corners
of the back support device. Four straps are shown, but additional,
or fewer, straps may be used to assist in firmly positioning the
garment. A pivot 9 is shown in FIG. 1 connecting one of the straps
(some or all of the straps may have pivots) to permit the strap to
change the direction it can be wrapped around a human torso or
furniture part. Because the device is made of fabric-like material
and the pocket inserts are of material that will conform to shapes
like a person's torso or even most chairs, it can be strapped
tightly. For example, as when the back support is wrapped around a
person the upper-left and lower-right straps can be joined and the
upper-right and lower-left straps also joined thus forming a cross
or "X" shape on the person's chest and abdomen. The strap lengths
are adjustable and the ends are provided with fasteners for joining
to another strap. As can be readily seen this permits the support
device to be firmly attached to a human torso or to other objects
like a furniture part.
[0027] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein there
are two horizontal panels 10 and 11 which are tapered so that when
the person leans against the panels they tend to separate. This is
advantageous when the separation is in a direction along the
vertebrae since it provides a gentle decompression force on the
spine. The taper shown is exaggerated for illustration purposes. A
gentle taper is preferred.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows the device fixed to a chair. This is
advantageous for persons who may frequently leave and return to the
same chair. If the back support device is fixed to the chair the
person can return to the chair and be seated with the back support
in place to provide the necessary cushion.
[0029] As best seen in FIG. 3, panel 4 is shaped to accept
tensional loading but not compression loading. The layer of fabric
on the side adjacent the person's back is longer between panels 3
and 5 than the layer of fabric on the opposite side of panel 4.
This permits the panels to be stretched apart, or horizontally as
seen in FIG. 3, so that the back layer of panel 4 is taut (absorbs
tensional loading) while the inner layer is loose to allow air
circulation and prevent the application of pressure (does not
permit compression) to that area of the person's anatomy.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 each of the panels can be provided with a
space 14 for heating and/or cooling means (not shown). Various
types of heating or cooling means are known, including gel packs,
ice packs, resistance heating means, etc. As seen in FIG. 4 panel 2
has an open top side (or end) which is provided with a flap 12
having securement to firmly close the pocket. When the flap 12 is
folded over the top and secured to the opposite side of the panel
the contents of the panel are held firmly in place. Securement can
be by any conventional means such as a button/hole arrangement,
buckle/clasp, zipper or hook and loop fasteners, e.g., VELCRO. As
previously described the panels may be sewn together or releasably
fastened together as by zippers. Zipper 13 is shown fastening
panels 5 and 6. Of course some panels may be fixedly attached
whereas others may be releasably attached. It is also evident from
FIG. 4 that mesh layer 15 for abutting the persons back may have a
greater length between the adjacent panels 3 and 5 than the outer
mesh layer 16. This ensures that the mesh doesn't press against the
back in the area where low, or no, pressure is desired.
[0031] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same
is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken
by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention
are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *