VERTICAL SELF-STANDING BACK SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

The apparatus is to provide lateral support for a person while a person is in a standing, or predominantly vertical position. The apparatus is portable, self-standing, and may be used in various locations where a person may need lateral support. The apparatus generally consists of a vertical member connected to a support base. The apparatus functions when a person's weight acts on the standing base plate of the apparatus which off-sets a lateral force applied by a person leaning on the apparatus's vertical member whereby the vertical member in turn provides lateral support to a person.

Description

This application claims the benefit and right of priority to the previously filed provisional application Ser. No. 62/156,204 titled “Vertical self-standing back support device” which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Various back support devices are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2015/0080994 entitled “Portable Spinal Orthotic Backrest” provides a portable back support plate having a vertical curvature. The device is to be attached to another apparatus to function.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,198,515 entitled “Vertical Back Support Health-Enhancing Device” provides an ergonomic back support device utilizing one or multiple vertical components that include layers. The device is to be attached to another apparatus to function.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,606 entitled “Task Chair” relates to task chairs that support the body of the user in healthy positions while the user performs various tasks over extended sitting periods. The device is only able to function while in the seated position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,440 entitled “Back Support” provides a generally vertical and rigid panel removably installable along one edge of a bed, against which a person may brace his or her body part as desired while reclining on the bed. The device is to be attached to another apparatus to function and provides support for a person in a predominantly horizontal position.

No back support systems are specifically related to being self-supporting while providing lateral support to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a device that provides lateral support for a person while a person is in a standing, or predominantly vertical position. The apparatus is portable, self-standing, and may be used in various locations where a person may need lateral support. The apparatus generally consists of a vertical member connected to a support base. The apparatus functions when a person's weight acts on the standing base plate of the apparatus which off-sets a lateral force applied by a person leaning on the apparatus's vertical member whereby the vertical member in turn provides lateral support to a person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which like parts are given like reference numerals and, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing the side view of a vertical self-standing back support device, according to a representative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing the front view of a vertical self-standing back support device, according to a representative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing the rear view of a vertical self-standing back support device, according to a representative embodiment and;

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the plan view of a vertical self-standing back support device, according to a representative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments are generally related a standing environment where a person will receive lateral support while remaining in a standing position.

The apparatus is easily moved and is approximately the same area as an office chair.

The components are easily assembled and can be used at any location.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are schematic diagrams showing a side, front, and rear view of a vertical self-standing back support device, respectively, according to a representative embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, vertical support tube 3 and cushion support pad 4 are configured to provide lateral support, predominantly but not exclusively, to the back of a person. The lateral support provided by the apparatus via tube 3 and pad 4 may be applied to any point along a person's vertical profile. Vertical support tube 3 is connected to standing base plate 2 with brace bar 1 with an eccentrically braced frame connection. The connection may be concentric or may be rigid or any combination thereof. Vertical support tube 3 may be formed of aluminum with a curvature, for example, with thickness dimensions of about 3/16 inches×2 inches×2 inches, and length of about 65 inches. Also, brace bar 1 may be formed of aluminum with a curvature, for example, with thickness dimensions of about 3/16 inches×2 inches×2 inches, and length of about 20 inches. Cushion support pad 4 may be formed of any suitable material and has dimensions of about 1 inch thick×6 inches×36 inches. Of course, the tube section 1 and 3 may be formed of any other suitable material, such as steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastic, etc. and various sizes, without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Similarly, the cushion support pad 4 may be attached in various ways with various configurations using various materials or adjustable extensions without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

FIG. 4 is a schematic showing the plan view of a vertical self-standing back support device according to a representative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, standing base plate 2 is fastened to vertical support tube 3 and brace bar 1 with an eccentrically braced frame connection. The connection may be concentric or may be rigid or any combination thereof. Standing base plate 2 provides a surface for a person to stand while using the apparatus. The vertical weight of the person standing on the standing base plate 2 creates a horizontal counter force in vertical support tube 3 that off-sets the lateral force applied to vertical support tube 3 by a person leaning against the device. Also, standing base plate 2 may be formed of aluminum plate, for example, with thickness dimensions of about ¼ inches×22 inches×24 inches. Of course, the aluminum plate 2 may be formed of any other suitable material, such as steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastic, etc. and various sizes, without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Standing base plate 2 may also include attachments to assist in the movement of the overall device, for example, wheels that would make contact with the floor or ground when the device is tilted.

While specific embodiments are disclosed, it is understood that many variations are possible, which remain the concept and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device to provide horizontal support to a person while a person is in a standing, or predominantly vertical position comprising:

a vertical support tube connected to standing base plate; and

a person's weight acting on the standing base plate of the apparatus which off-sets a lateral force applied by a person leaning on the apparatus's vertical support tube whereby the vertical support tube in turn provides lateral support to a person.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight of the person acting on the standing base plate is applied in a downward direction by the person's foot that is using the apparatus. The person's foot will continue to provide a downward force on the standing base plate during the use of the device.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight of the person acting on the base plate is applied in a downward direction by the person's feet that is using the apparatus. The person's feet will continue to provide a downward force on the standing base plate during the use of the device.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight of the person acting on the base plate is applied in a downward direction by a person's body parts that is using the apparatus. The person's body parts will continue to provide a downward force on the standing base plate during the use of the device.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the alternative materials may be used approximating the weight of a person acting on the base plate applied in a downward direction. The alternative materials will continue to provide a downward force on the standing base plate during the use of the device.

6. The device of claim 1, is self-standing and does not require other devices to function. The device may remain in position until ready for next use.

7. The device in claim 1, wherein the apparatus will remain stationary relative to the user during operation.