U.S. patent application number 16/160716 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-25 for lumbar cushion support attachment for backpacks.
The applicant listed for this patent is Erik Jia, Bobby Liu. Invention is credited to Erik Jia, Bobby Liu.
Application Number | 20190116964 16/160716 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66168961 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190116964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jia; Erik ; et al. |
April 25, 2019 |
Lumbar Cushion Support Attachment for Backpacks
Abstract
A portable lumbar cushion support attachment for backpacks for
providing support to the lower spine and surrounding para-lumbar
musculature of the wearer. The present invention is for a memory
foam cushion which adjustably supports the lower spine in a proper
position, alleviating lower back pain caused by improper posture
and fatigue and also preventing further instances of lower back
pain. In one embodiment, side straps are attached onto the bottom
triangular strap regions of the backpack. The cushion is
hemi-elliptical design which is positioned horizontally in the
lower back region such that the cushion supports the spine and the
surrounding musculature and the L1-L5 vertebrae. The cushion
extends outwards, pushing against the lumbar spine, causing
pressure to be created against the backpack and into the lower
back, thus alleviating back pain and maintaining the lower back in
its natural straight position.
Inventors: |
Jia; Erik; (Honolulu,
HI) ; Liu; Bobby; (Honolulu, HI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jia; Erik
Liu; Bobby |
Honolulu
Honolulu |
HI
HI |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66168961 |
Appl. No.: |
16/160716 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62572538 |
Oct 15, 2017 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/12 20130101; A45F
3/04 20130101; A45F 2003/122 20130101; A45F 2003/127 20130101; A45F
2003/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/12 20060101
A45F003/12; A45F 3/04 20060101 A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A lumbar cushion support device configured for attachment to
backpacks, said device comprising: a block of memory foam, a layer
of rigid foam or other rigid material, a backpack attachment
mechanism, and a cover, wherein the block of memory foam comprises
a curved side configured for positioning against a wearer's lower
back; said layer of rigid foam is provided on a side of the block
of memory foam opposite the curved side, acting as a base of the
device configured for touching the backpack, said cover covering
the memory foam and rigid foam or other rigid material, and said
attachment mechanism optionally comprises straps extending from two
locations on the device and each attached to a connector.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the device
is greater than the thickness of the device.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the device
is between 10 inches and 14 inches and the height dimension is
between 3 inches and 7 inches and the thickness dimension is
between 2 to 4 inches.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the width is 12 inches
and the height is 6 inches and the thickness is 3 inches.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the memory foam
comprises open cell high density polyurethane foam.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises gel
fabric, microfiber, microsuede, silk, cotton, nylon, satin, sateen,
or a natural fabric, or a synthetic fabric.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the side of the memory
foam opposite the curved side comprises a rectangular shape.
8. A method of achieving a proper posture of the spine while
wearing the backpack, comprising the steps of; providing the device
of claim 1, clipping said side straps with said mitten clips onto
the bottom triangular portion of the straps of the backpack,
adjusting said mitten clips based on the wearer's height, size, and
location of lumbar curve, said device centrally and horizontally
located in the middle of the backpack, wherein the hemi-elliptical
shape of the device will cause more pressure on the spine and back
of the wearer, and wherein said device will provide support for the
surrounding musculature and thus causing a proper position of the
back and body to be achieved.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a portable device that can
be attached onto a backpack, capable of providing variable lower
back support. More particularly, the invention relates to a soft,
portable, attachable lumbar cushion which assists with the spine
being held in the proper position while moving or performing any
actions with a backpack. The attachment comprises a cushion,
strapped onto the backpack in two directions, having specific
dimensions to provide comfort and cushion. The attachment creates
pressure against the backpack when the wearer is using it, which
creates pressure against the lumbar spine and relieves muscular
tension in the region, maintaining the lower spine in its natural
posture.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Lower back pain is a serious problem in the world. It is
estimated that eight out of ten Americans at one time or another
will suffer from severe back pain. Back pain starts from an early
age, as soon as students start wearing back packs. Studies have
shown that with students who wear backpacks, 64% reported having
back pain at some time. Two of every five children said they felt
pain while wearing their backpacks. In students reporting pain,
about 12% said it was "not bad," while almost 90% said their back
pain was "bad" or "very bad."
[0003] The position that we hold our spine when we wear a backpack
is crucial to preventing or exacerbating back problems. The most
correct position for the lower back region to be held is lordotic,
or a slight inward curve. When the proper position is maintained,
there is less pressure on the lower back. However, when there is a
sufficient weight from the backpack, the force of the backpack
drives backwards, which causes the body, in trying to balance the
forces, to bend forwards. This thus causes the lumbar curve to bend
unnaturally, which results in heavy strain in the spine and lower
back as a whole.
[0004] As of current, only one other invention has been made for
the backpack in supporting the lower back, and is an attachment
that utilizes air pump (Backpack Lumbar Support from
ChiroOneSource.) In contrast to the above, the present invention
provides cushion through the use of memory foam. Many benefits are
provided with the use of memory foam. [0005] 1. The memory foam
contours to the body's curves, supporting the lower back and
allowing the spine to stay in its natural position while the user
wears the backpack. [0006] 2. When the backpack is pressed into the
back, the memory foam in the cushion prevents pain through the
unique combination of pressure point relief and support. [0007] 3.
Different positions and shapes of the back can be accommodated
since the memory foam inside the cushion is designed to mold into
the body as the backpack pushes into the user. [0008] 4. Motion
does not matter, as the memory foam absorbs motion and isolates
rather than transfer it. When the wearer moves around in his
backpack, the attachment will stay in place and provide the best
support at all times. [0009] 5. The cushion is configured and
dimensioned to provide pressure and support to the L1-L5 vertebrae
and the surrounding para-lumbar musculature when worn. The cushion
pushes against the back of the backpack, which in turn creates a
counter pressure to the back.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This invention is directed to a lumbar support (also
referred to herein as the `device`) for a backpack. The lumbar
support comprises a cushion and optionally an attachment mechanism
(e.g. side straps) for attaching the cushion to a backpack.
Alternatively, the cushion is integrated into a backpack. The side
straps, or other attachment mechanism, are designed to connect
(e.g. clip) onto either ends of the backpack and of the device. The
attachment mechanism (e.g. straps) can be configured to position
the device, when attached to a backpack, at the proper location of
the lower spine to provide support for the spine when the backpack
is worn. The device can be attached horizontally to align with the
lumbar curve as well as the surrounding para-lumbar musculature
including the Iliocostalis Lumborum, Longissimus Thoracis, and the
Erector Spinae muscles. The device can be configured with a
hemi-elliptical shape so that more pressure or support is placed on
the spine, providing the most comfort.
[0011] As a non-limiting example, the back-support device can be in
the form. of an attachment for the backpack and include a built-in
strap on either side, with clips that are attached to the back
region of the side straps of the backpack, and a hemi-elliptical
shaped memory foam cushion with support in the center. The device
includes a cushion from memory foam that supports the lumbar spine
and further includes a rigid foam built as the base of the device
touching the backpack to support the memory foam cushion.
[0012] Optionally, the device is generally spherical in shape and
is arranged horizontally in the lower middle region of the
backpack. The side straps are optionally of equal length or
adjustable so that the device can be held directly in the center of
the backpack. The device can be designed to have a specific
lengthwise dimension such that when attached to a backpack and
worn, the wearer will feel the most comfort in their lower back
region, also preventing dysfunction and pain occurring from
sacroiliac joints, or close to the pelvic region of the back. The
cushion is also specified in its dimensions to support the L1-L5
vertebrae the height (i.e. vertical length when worn by user) and
width (i.e. horizontal length when worn by a user) will optionally
be in a 1:2 to 4:5 ratio. As a result of the forward force enacted
by the device on the lower back, the spine is straightened, and the
back is thus completely relaxed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description of embodiments of the invention taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of the lower back support cushion in
accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a back view of the lower back support cushion
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the lower back support cushion
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lower back support
cushion
[0018] FIG. 5 is a front view of the lower back support cushion
attached onto a backpack
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the lower back support cushion
attached onto a backpack
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective back view of a backpack
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Overview
[0021] A device of the invention comprises a memory foam cushion
configured for placement about the lumbar region of a backpack,
e.g. the location on a backpack which would be positioned about the
lumbar of a user (i.e. the wearer of the backpack). For example,
the device can be integrated into a backpack (e.g. during
manufacture of the backpack) or provided with an attachment
mechanism for attaching the cushion to a lumbar region of a
backpack.
[0022] The device, having a lumbar cushion support, can be coupled
with a backpack 6 such as shown in FIG. 4 for supporting the lumbar
spine and para-lumbar musculature of the wearer's back, causing the
wearer to stand with a slight inward curve of the lumbar spine.
[0023] As an illustrative example shown in FIG. 3, the device
comprises a curved side 2, for example, provided as a
hemi-elliptical shape, which is configured to be positioned as
centrally adjacent the wearer's lower back such that more pressure
is exerted on the lower spine to provide the utmost comfort and
impact to the wearer's body.
[0024] Optionally, the device further comprises a layer of rigid
foam 5 as shown in FIGS. 1-6, e.g., provided as rectangular,
positioned on the flat side of the cushion (e.g. base of the
device) to push against the backpack 6 and help maintain the shape
of the device.
[0025] Optionally, the device further comprises an attachment
mechanism for attaching the cushion to a lumbar region of a
backpack shown in FIG. 4, provided as straps 1 that extend from the
top-side to the middle-side of the cushion, each connected with
connectors 7 (e.g. mitten clips) that provide an attachment
mechanism to attach the device to backpack.
[0026] Optionally, the device further comprises a cover surrounding
the memory foam and rigid foam (e.g. a soft cloth cover completely
covering), providing support for the entire device to keep all
parts connected.
[0027] Optionally, the width (e.g. the horizontal dimension that is
parallel with the axis formed by the intersection of the coronal
and transverse planes of a human wearing the device) is greater
than the thickness (e.g. the horizontal dimension that is parallel
with the axis formed by the intersection of the saggital and
transverse planes of a human wearing the device) of the device.
Optionally, the height (e.g. the vertical dimension when worn by a
human) is greater than the thickness. Such a shape provides for
resting in the lumbar of a user. For example, shown in FIG. 1, the
width of the device can be between 7 inches and 12 inches and the
height dimension can be between 3 inches and 7 inches and the
thickness dimension can be between 2 to 4 inches.
Memory Foam Block
[0028] A device of the invention comprises a layer of memory foam
such as a block of memory foam 4. The memory foam block can be
provided in any shape and any type of memory foam (e.g.
polyurethane) may be used.
[0029] Optionally, the memory foam is any foam that can be
compressed and then retains its compressed shape for a period of
time and then returns back to its original shape. For example, the
memory foam can be of the type used by Tempur-Pedic.RTM. in the
manufacture of mattresses.
[0030] Optionally, the block is connected to a rigid foam 5
configured for interfacing a backpack and a curved side, opposite
the base, for interfacing (or contacting) the lumber of a user
shown in FIG. 5.
[0031] Optionally, the memory foam 4 is provided with a curved side
2 configured for interfacing the lumbar of the user. Optionally,
the memory foam block is provided as a hemi-elliptical shape, as
shown in the figures. Such a shape provides for more pressure or
support to be placed on the spine, providing the most comfort for
the surrounding musculature and causing correct posture of the
spine to be achieved.
[0032] Optionally, the memory foam comprises a density of about 2
lb./ft 3 to about 9 lb./ft 3, for example, about 4 lb/ft 3 to about
7 lb./ft 3.
[0033] Optionally, the memory foam 4 is open-cell memory foam.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates
substituting another type of foam (e.g. latex, neoprene, or a foam
rubber) for the memory foam.
Rigid Foam Layer
[0035] Optionally, a device of the invention comprises a layer of
rigid foam 5. The rigid foam can be configured with any hardness as
long as it is more rigid than the memory foam.
[0036] As compared with the memory foam 4, the rigid foam 5
optionally comprises any of the following properties relative to
the memory foam: Higher density, more durable, more resistant to
water, prevents mold growth.
[0037] The layer of rigid foam 5 is optionally provided on a first
side of the memory foam 4 (e.g. base of the block) and not provided
on a second side of the memory foam 4, wherein the second side is
opposite the first side. For example, the second side can be a
curved side 2 configured to interface with the lumbar of a user,
wherein, optionally, the first side can be a flat side of the
memory foam 4 configured to interface with the backpack or contents
thereof.
[0038] Optionally, the layer of rigid foam 5 is identical in shape
to the base (e.g. rectangular base) of the memory foam 4, attached
on the side of the memory foam 4 opposite a curved side of the
memory foam 4 which interfaces a user's (i.e. wearer's) lumbar.
[0039] Optionally, the rigid foam 5 comprises a density of about 2
lb./ft 3 to about 9 lb./ft 3 for example, about 3 lb/ft 3 to about
6 lb/ft 3.
[0040] Alternatively, a layer of a rigid material other than foam
can be provided instead of the rigid foam 5. For example, it can be
wood, gel, plastic, or hard leather.
[0041] The layer of rigid foam 5 provides the one or more of the
following advantages to a device of the invention: Acts as a base
to stabilize the vertical dimension/height and width of the cushion
to retain its shape in the upright position of the cushion,
provides the necessary hardness to apply optimal pressure against
the backpack, is very light, which keeps the cushion at a
relatively low mass.
[0042] By including the rigid foam layer 5, the height and width
dimensions of the cushion arc kept constant while the thickness
dimension is able to be changed/conformed based on the wearer's
body composition and movement.
[0043] The rigid foam layer 5 prevents the device from being
flattened in a plurality of dimensions when pressure is applied.
Thus, the rigid foam layer allows for the memory foam thickness to
be compressed by the lumbar region. Without the rigid foam layer,
the memory foam 4 by itself would be heavily flattened about a
plurality of dimensions and provide less support to the lumbar.
Attachment Mechanism
[0044] A device of the invention optionally comprises an attachment
mechanism for connecting the memory foam block (and optional rigid
foam layer) to a backpack. The attachment mechanism can be any
connector 7.
[0045] Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises a connector
selected from a strap, magnet (e.g. interacting with a metal
component of the backpack, or metal component placed inside the
backpack), clamp, clip, string, hook, hoop and loop mechanism (e.g.
Velcro), tape, adhesive material, button, rubber band, or cord. One
skilled in the art can readily produce any type of connector for
connecting a device of the invention to a backpack.
[0046] Optionally, the attachment mechanism can be any connector 7
that is configured to be releasable such that the two connected
components (device and backpack) can be connected and disconnected
from each other a plurality of times without destroying or damaging
the connector (i.e. the connector is configured to be releasable at
will). This is in contrast to permanent fixing mechanisms such as
molding or sewing.
[0047] Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises two straps 1
(e.g. nylon straps), and respective connectors 7 (e.g. clips such
as mitten clips).
[0048] Optionally, the connector 7 is a hoop and loop mechanism
(Velcro), where the Velcro strap is wrapped around the straps of
the back pack 9 at any height.
[0049] Optionally, the connector 7 utilizes magnets, where one
magnet is placed inside the backpack 6 while the other is placed on
either side of the cushion.
[0050] Optionally, the connector 7 is on the rigid foam 5, facing
the backpack, comprising of an adhesive that sticks onto the
backpack.
[0051] Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises of two straps
1 (e.g. nylon straps), and respective buttons, in which one part of
the button is integrated into the a portion of a backpack, such as
bottom strap portion 8 of the backpack, while the other is
integrated into the straps 1, where the button on the strap of the
cushion will click onto the button on the strap of the
backpack.
[0052] Optionally, the straps 1 (e.g. nylon straps) utilize polypro
strapping attached to connector 7 on either side of the device, in
which the connectors 7 are attached to the straps of the backpack
in which the device can be moved up or down.
[0053] Optionally, FIG. 3 demonstrates that the straps 1 utilize
polypro strapping attached to connectors 7 on either side of the
device, connected to the central side regions of the device through
sewing onto said nylon fabric.
[0054] Optionally, the connectors 7 are configured for clipping
onto anywhere on a backpack, such as on both of the bottom strap
portion 8 of the straps on a backpack shown in FIG. 7.
[0055] As an alternative to a connector 7, the cushion can be
integrated into a backpack, for example, sewn to or molded to the
backpack. For example, manufactured as a part of the backpack.
[0056] As shown in the figures the connectors 7 can be fixed to
respective straps 1 and configured to connect the device of the
invention to a backpack. It is noted that the connectors 7 are
represented by rectangles in the figures, but can take any form,
such as mitten clips or any other connector taught herein. Further,
it is noted that, in FIG. 6, the connectors are not shown as
connected to the backpack; however, the connectors are configured
for being connected to the backpack (e.g. by stretching straps 1,
which may be elastic straps, and then connecting the connectors 7
to the backpack).
Cover
[0057] A device of the invention optionally comprises a cover
surrounding (e.g. completely surrounding) the memory foam 4 and
optional rigid foam 5. The cover can optionally be constructed from
a fabric such as nylon. Examples of useful fabrics include
microfiber, micro suede, or any soft covering.
[0058] Optionally, the cover includes a logo, e.g. positioned on a
portion of the cover that covers a curved side of the memory foam,
e.g. the logo "Chrono Comfort" can be inked onto the fabric in the
front of the device.
Method
[0059] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of
attaching a device of the invention to a backpack and/or wearing a
device of the invention with a backpack. The method can be used to
achieve a proper posture of the spine while wearing a backpack.
[0060] Optionally, the method comprises: [0061] a. providing a
device of the invention, [0062] b. connecting said straps 1 with
said connectors 7 anywhere onto the backpack such as bottom strap
portion 8 of the backpack 6, and [0063] c. wearing the backpack
with the device attached to the lower region 10 of the backpack
shown in FIG. 7.
[0064] Using a method of the invention, curved or hemi-elliptical
shape of the device will cause more pressure on the spine and back
of the wearer. For example, the device will provide support for the
surrounding musculature and thus causing a proper position of the
back and body to be achieved.
[0065] The citations provided herein are hereby incorporated by
reference for the cited subject matter.
PATENT REFERENCES
[0066] U.S. Pat. No. 7,001,350, Feb. 21, 2006 (Grosso)
WEBSITE REFERENCES
[0067]
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20040813/heavy-backpacks-can--
hurt-student-backs [0068]
https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-POSTURE.htm) [0069]
https://www.amerisleep.com/blog/10-benefits-foam-memory-mattress/
[0070]
http://www.anatomylibrary.us/thoracic-bones-anatomy/thoracic-bones-
-anatomy-classification-of-bones/ [0071]
http://abbottcenter.com/bostonpaintherapy/?p=2427 [0072]
http://www/textileschool.com/articles/330/type-of-fabrics
* * * * *
References