Back support with integral carrying case

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a back support device, and in particular, to a back support for supporting the lower back region of a person in a seated position, combined with an integrally formed carrying case.

In activities where an individual must be seated upright on a flat surface without a rigid back support, for example on the ground or floor, or on a backless chair, bench, and the like, sitting in this position for extended periods of time is uncomfortable, often painful and difficult, particularly for individuals with back problems. Such activities may include, but are not necessarily limited to, athletic events such as hunting, boating, camping and so forth. Other passive events such as watching athletic contests, meditating and even listening to music may cause back strain when one position is maintained for a considerable length of time. Back supporting devices which are generally similar to the present invention are shown in my prior U.S. Patents 4,773,106 and 4,813,080, and in Japanese Serial Number 63-251009, among others. The present invention represents an improvement over the known prior art by providing a back support combined with an integral carrying case to facilitate carrying of the device when used for various activities as described hereinabove. The outer periphery support member is provided with a suitable fastener, preferrably in the form of a zipper, which permits the support to be folded back upon itself, and secured in that position forming a case structured to receive the knee-engaging straps. Handles are provided, secured to the ends of the back support member, to facilitate carrying the device when the case is in the closed position.

The back support includes a buckle to maintain the straps together to hold the knees of the user in a more comfortable position for creating a supporting force on the lower back of the user.

Another feature includes a retainer strap for retaining the back support on the back of the user in a non-use position.

Among the objects of the present invention are the provision of a back support device which can be folded into an integrally formed carrying case when not in use.

These and other objects will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and attached specification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of the back support with integral carrying case in the closed position.
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the invention in the open position with the straps extended.
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the back support in use.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the back support being carried by a user in an non-use position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, the back support and integral carrying case 10 of the present invention is shown in the open position in Figure 2 and includes a back support member 12 having an elongated and generally rectangular shape. The outer periphery of the support member 12 is provided with a suitable closure fastener 14 which, in the preferred embodiment, would be a zipper or similar mechanical closure. The support member 12 may be cushioned or padded and/or reinforced thus providing sufficient strength to support the wearer's lower back in use. The back support 10 is provided with a pair of elongated straps 16 and 18 which are integrally attached to the support member 12 at respective ends 20 and 22. The straps 16 and 18 form elongated loops and include buckle members 24 and 26 which permit adjustment of the length of each of the loops and which also provide a closure for securing the loops in their operative position. The straps may extend within the interior layers of the back support member 12 connecting each of the strap components 16 and 18 together. lt will also be appreciated that the ends of each of the straps may terminate at the ends 20 and 22 of the back support member 12 as long as the mechanical connection between the straps and the support member is of sufficient strength to withstand the forces subjected to it during use.

Handle members 28 and 29 are provided to carry the support when it is folded upon itself to form the integral carrying case as shown in Figure 1. In the closed position, the straps 16 and 18 are maintained within the case formed by the back support member 12.

A snap type buckle 30, formed of a male locking member 32 and a female locking member 34, is connected to the inner sections of the straps 18 and 16, respectively. As shown in Figure 3, when the back support member 10 is used, the buckle 30 is connected thereby keeping the user's knees together which further relieves the strain on the lower back and aids in positioning the support member 12 in the proper position. The straps 16 and 18 are also provided with knee pads 36 and 38 which lessen the strain on the user's knees, permitting him to exert sufficient force on the support member 12 to hold the back in a supported position.

The back support 10 also includes a retainer strap 40 which is adapted to encircle the torso of a user and to be secured in place by a suitable means such as a buckle 42 so that the back support may be worn on the user without the necessity of having the elongated straps looped over the knees to maintain the support in place. Whereas this does not provide any supporting function, it eliminates the need for repositioning the support each time that it is used and facilitates carrying the back support without the need of a separate carrying case or without continuously holding the item.

It also permits removal of the knees during activities without having to interrupt the particular activity to handle or store the back support.

Referring to Figure 3, a user is shown wearing the back support. The support member 12 is fit against the lumbar portion of the back, and straps 16 and 18 are looped over the knees with the user in a seated position. The buckle 30 keeps the knees of the user together. Force, exerted by the knees, pulls the support member against the lumbar region of the wearer's back to provide suitable support. When not in use, the straps are folded into the integrally formed carrying case as described hereinabove.

Figure 4 illustrates the back support in a non-use position where the retainer strap 40 maintains the strap in the proper position.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are not limiting, and that various changes may be made in the invention in keeping with the claims.