Torso Support Device

Abstract

A torso support device operable to provide support for a user's torso when a user is engaged in an activity such as but not limited to gardening wherein the user is kneeling and bent forward. The torso support device includes a base member that is rectangular in shape being planar in manner and having an upper surface. A first knee support member and a second knee support member are superposed on the upper surface of the base member. A tray is secured to the upper surface of the base member forward of the first knee support member and the second knee support member. An adjustable support post is hingedly secured to the base member and includes a chest pad pivotally secured thereto distal to the base member. A pair of stabilizers are operably secured to the base member and are deployable therefrom to provide additional stability of the base member.

Description

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C Section 119(e) & 37 C.F.R. Section 1.78

This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior United States Provisional Patent Application entitled: Back Yard Buddy, Application No. 61/965,295 filed Jan. 27, 2014, in the name of John Edgar Labbett, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to human body support devices, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a torso support device that is operable to provide support for a human torso when a person is kneeling and positioned that the torso is forward of the center of gravity of the person.

BACKGROUND

While the human body has been proven to be extremely durable it has still been shown to be susceptible to injuries under certain circumstances. Many people engage in activities whether for work or leisure that place the human body in a position that is more inclined to injury. One of the most susceptible body parts to injury is the back. Millions of back injuries occur every year and result in billions of dollars of expenditures ranging from analgesics to surgical procedures.

Many homeowners engage in activities that place the back and torso in a position wherein these body parts can be easily injured. By way of example but not limitation, homeowners regularly engage in tasks such as gardening or the like which often finds the individual required to engage in either a kneeling or bending position. As an individual engages in activities such as gardening, they are often bent at the waist wherein the user can experience undue stress on their back as a result of extended time in the position. A specific example of gardening involves light digging to plant small plants wherein a person will often be on their knees and bent forward to accomplish this task. The torso is angular to the waist and is exposed to forces that can cause muscle strain, which most often results in injury. While users will attempt to periodically return to an upright position, many individuals suffer injuries while engaged in the aforementioned activities and positions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can provide support for a human torso when a person is in a particular position so as to substantially eliminate the risk of injury to the back or other muscle group of the torso.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a torso support device that is operable to engage the torso of a user and provide support thereof when a user is an inclined position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a torso support device that is operable to provide support to a torso of a user wherein the user is in a kneeled position that includes a base support member.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a torso support device that is operable to provide support for a torso of a user wherein the base member further includes two knee wells that are configured to provide support for knees superposed thereon.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a torso support device that is operable to provide support for a user's torso when the user is in a kneeled and bent forward position that further includes a tray on the base member thereof. The tray being located forward of the two knee wells.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a torso support device that is operable to provide support for a user's torso when the user is in a kneeled position wherein the torso support device further includes a chest pad that is secured to the base member via a support post.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a torso support device that functions to provide torso support for a user engaged therewith wherein the base member further includes stabilizers that are operable to extend outward therefrom.

An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a torso support device that is operable to support a torso of a person engaged therewith that includes a chest pad, wherein the chest pad is hingedly secured to the support post and is configured to receive a portion of a human chest thereon.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a torso support device that is operable to engage a human torso and provide support thereof when a user is in a kneeling position that further includes a pair of handles secured to the support post and extending outward therefrom.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a torso support device 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring to the drawings herein, the torso support device 100 further includes a base member 10. The base member 10 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal or wood. The base member 10 is rectangular in shape having a first end 12 and a second end 14. The base member 10 functions to provide the necessary structural support and weight for the torso support device 100 and further includes an upper surface 16 that is of sufficient size to receive a user's knees thereon. Secured to the upper surface 16 of the base member 10 proximate second end 14 are a first knee member 20 and a second knee member 25. The first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 are operable to provide support for a user's knees and function to receive a user's knees superposed thereon. The first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 include central depressions 21,26 that are formed within the first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 and are operable to provide improved ergonomic support of a user's knees and shin area. The first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 are manufactured from a durable comfortable material such as but not limited to gel or foam padding. While the first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 are illustrated herein as being oval in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 could be formed in various different shapes. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper surface 16 could have just one knee member that is of suitable size and construction to receive both of a user's knee's thereon.

Superposed on the upper surface 16 of the base member 10 proximate first end 12 is tray 30. Tray 30 is proximate first end 12 of the base member 10 and is formed with a plurality of walls 31 and bottom 32 so as to create interior volume 33. The interior volume 33 of the tray 30 is of suitable size to receive and store therein conventional gardening tools or similar objects. While the tray 30 is illustrated herein as being rectangular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the tray 30 could be formed in various different shapes having at least one wall and a bottom operable to create an interior volume for the purpose described herein.

Hingedly secured to the base member 10 proximate first end 12 is support post 40. Support post 40 includes first end 41 and second end 42 and is manufactured from a first segment 44 and a second segment 46. First end 12 is hingedly secured to the base member 10 utilizing a conventional hinge. The hinged securing of the support post 40 facilitates the folding thereof for storage or shipping. The first segment 44 has an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the second segment 46 so as to be slidably engaged therewith. Both the first segment 44 and second segment 46 include a plurality of apertures 50 configured in a linear manner. The apertures 50 are operable to receive pin 55 therethrough so as to position the second segment 46 in a desired position relative to the first segment 44 facilitating height adjustment of the support post 40. While a particular embodiment of the support post 40 has been disclosed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the support post 40 could be constructed in numerous manners in order to achieve the desired functionality herein. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the support post 40 is secured to the base member 10 so as to facilitate the folding down thereof for easier storage of the torso support device 100. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous types of fasteners could be utilized to foldably mount the support post 40 to the base member 10.

Secured to the second segment 46 of the support post 40 are the first handle member 60 and the second handle member 70. The first handle member 60 and the second handle member 70 extend outward from opposing sides of the support post 40 and are perpendicular thereto. The first handle member 60 and the second handle member 70 are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. The first handle member 60 and the second handle member 70 are cylindrical in shape and function to provide an interface for sliding the second segment 46 or for other uses wherein a user requires an interface for their hands.

Pivotally secured to the support post 40 proximate second end 43 is the chest pad 80. Chest pad 80 functions to receive a portion of the chest of a user once a user has kneeled on the base member 10 and leans forward to engage in an activity forward of the base member 10. As the user leans forward the chest pad 80 is operable to engage a portion of the user's chest and as such reduce muscle strain on the lower back and other areas of a user's torso as the user remains in a bent position. The chest pad 80 is pivotally secured using conventional fasteners. The chest pad 80 is rectangular in shape and includes an upper surface 81 that is manufactured from a durable comfortable material such as but not limited to gel or foam. The chest pad 80 is further rotatably mounted to the support post 40. Rotatable mounting of the chest pad 80 allows a user to more precisely select an area of their torso with which the chest pad 80 will engage. More specifically but not by way of limitation, if a user desires the chest pad 80 to engage more proximate their abdomen, the rotatable mounting of the chest pad 80 facilitates a technique to accomplish this task. The rotation of the chest pad 80 provides a selection of two widths due to the chest pad 80 being rectangular in shape and as such allows a user to select a width that is more comfortable and in a desired position on the user's torso.

A left stabilizer 120 and a right stabilizer 110 are hingedly secured on opposing sides of the support post 40 in the base member 10. The left stabilizer 120 and a right stabilizer 110 are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal and are operable to provide additional stability of the base member 10 subsequent the deployment thereof. The left stabilizer 120 and a right stabilizer 110 are illustrated herein in their stored position. For deployment of the left stabilizer 120 and the right stabilizer 110 it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the left stabilizer 120 and the right stabilizer 110 could be hingedly secured so as to be deployed either laterally outward from the base member 10 or forward of the base member 10 so as to provide additional stability of the base member 10 when a user is engaged with the torso support device 100.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support device operable to provide upper body support for a user when engaged therewith comprising:

a base member, said base member having a first end and a second end, said base member having an upper surface;

at least one knee support member, said at least one knee support member being proximate said second end of said base member, said at least one knee support member operable to receive a user's knees superposed thereon;

a support post, said support post being secured to said base member proximate said first end of said base member, said support post having a first end and a second end; and

a chest pad, said chest pad being secured to said second end of said support post, said chest pad being rectangular in shape, said chest pad having an upper surface configured to support a portion of a user's chest thereon.

2. The support device as recited in claim 1, and further including a tray, said tray being superposed said upper surface of said base member, said tray having at least one wall and a bottom forming an interior volume, said tray operable to receive and store objects therein.

3. The support device as recited in claim 2, wherein said at least one knee support member further includes a depression, said depression configured to receive a user's knee therein.

4. The support device as recited in claim 3, and further including a handle member, said handle member being secured to said support post, said handle member being perpendicular to said support post.

5. The support device as recited in claim 4, wherein said support post is adjustable in height.

6. The support device as recited in claim 5, and further including at least one stabilizer, said at least one stabilizer being operably secured to said base member, said at least one stabilizer having a first position and a second position, said at least one stabilizer in said second position being extended outward from said base member.

7. The support device as recited in claim 6, wherein said at least one knee support member and said upper surface of said chest pad are manufactured from gel.

8. A torso support device that is operable to provide support for a user's torso comprising:

a base member, said base member being rectangular in shape, said base member having a first end and a second end, said base member having an upper surface;

a first knee support member, said first knee support member being proximate said second end of said base member, said first knee support member operable to receive a user's knee superposed thereon;

a second knee support member, said second knee support member being proximate said second end of said base member, said second knee support member operable to receive a user's knee superposed thereon, said second knee support member being adjacent to said first knee support member;

a support post, said support post being secured to said base member proximate said first end of said base member, said support post having a first end and a second end, said support post being adjustable in height;

a chest pad, said chest pad being secured to said second end of said support post, said chest pad being rectangular in shape, said chest pad having an upper surface configured to support a portion of a user's chest thereon; and

a tray, said tray being superposed said upper surface of said base member, said tray having at least one wall and a bottom forming an interior volume, said tray operable to receive and store objects therein.

9. The torso support device as recited in claim 8, and further including at least one stabilizer, said at least one stabilizer being operably secured to said base member, said at least one stabilizer having a first position and a second position, said at least one stabilizer in said second position being extended outward from said base member.

10. The torso support device as recited in claim 9, and further including a first handle member and a second handle member, said first handle member and a second handle member being secured to said support post, said first handle member and a second handle member being perpendicular to said support post, said first handle member and a second handle member extending from opposing sides of said support post.

11. The torso support device as recited in claim 10, wherein said support post further includes a first segment and a second segment, said first segment being slidably secured within said second segment, said slidable securing of said first segment and said second segment operable to facilitate the height adjustment of said support posts.

12. The torso support device as recited in claim 11, wherein said first knee support member and said second knee support member further include depressions, said depressions operable to ergonomically support a user's knees.

13. The torso support device as recited in claim 12, wherein said first segment and said second segment of said support post include a plurality of apertures linearly oriented.

14. The torso support device as recited in claim 13, wherein said chest pad is pivotally and rotatably mounted to said support post.

15. A torso support device operable to provide support for a user's torso during a position of kneeling and bent forward comprising:

a base member, said base member being rectangular in shape, said base member having a first end and a second end, said base member having an upper surface;

a first knee support member, said first knee support member being proximate said second end of said base member, said first knee support member operable to receive a user's knee superposed thereon;

a second knee support member, said second knee support member being proximate said second end of said base member, said second knee support member operable to receive a user's knee superposed thereon, said second knee support member being adjacent to said first knee support member;

a support post, said support post being secured to said base member proximate said first end of said base member, said support post having a first end and a second end, said support post having a first segment and a second segment, said first segment being slidably coupled with said second segment, said first segment and said second segment having a plurality of apertures linearly oriented, said support post being adjustable in height;

a chest pad, said chest pad being secured to said second end of said support post, said chest pad being rectangular in shape, said chest pad having an upper surface configured to support a portion of a user's chest thereon;

a tray, said tray being superposed said upper surface of said base member, said tray having a plurality of walls and a bottom forming an interior volume, said tray being rectangular in shape, said tray operable to receive and store objects therein; and

wherein said first knee support member and said second knee support member further include depressions, said depressions operable to ergonomically support a user's knees.

16. The torso support device as recited in claim 15, and further including at least one stabilizer, said at least one stabilizer being operably secured to said base member, said at least one stabilizer having a first position and a second position, said at least one stabilizer in said second position being extended outward from said base member.

17. The torso support device as recited in claim 16, and further including a pin, said pin releasably coupled with said plurality of apertures on said support post.

18. The torso support device as recited in claim 17, and further including a first handle member and a second handle member, said first handle member and a second handle member being secured to said support post, said first handle member and a second handle member being perpendicular to said support post, said first handle member and a second handle member extending from opposing sides of said support post.

19. The torso support device as recited in claim 18, wherein said chest pad is pivotally and rotatably mounted to said second end of said support post.

20. The torso support device as recited in claim 19, wherein first knee support member, said second knee support member and said upper surface of said chest pad are manufactured from gel.