Torso arch support for body board users

Abstract

A garment worn by the user encircles his torso and includes a combined abdomen and chest cushion arrangement which supports the torso during a riding or paddling procedure. The pad includes layers of resilient cushion material as part of the garment. The cushion material is arranged in a series of different thickness pads or layers so as to compensate for the wedge-like angle between the surface of the board and the user's chest. In one form, the pads or bladders are arranged in three rows and two columns and are of a different thickness, commencing with the lower part of the user's rib cage and extending to the waist. The length of each of the pads or bladders is of a different dimension so as to accommodate for the decrease in space between the rib cage and the waist with respect to the surface of the board.

Description

[0001] Priority claimed on Ser. No. 60 / 557,917 filed Apr. 1, 2004 PENDING and Ser. No. 60 / 526,287 filed Dec. 3, 2003 PENDING, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entiretyBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to the field of orthopaedic supports, and more particularly to a novel torso or arch support that improves the endurance and paddling performance of board riders including surfers, paddle boarders, and boogie boarders. [0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art [0005] In the field of ocean sports, many people use a variety of boards on which to ride waves or surf along a beach front. In using such boards, it is the customary practice for the user to lie prone on his stomach along the upper surface of the board. In order to travel through the water, the user employs his arms in a paddling manner which causes his upper torso to rise above the surface of the board so that the torso is solely supported by ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a torso and arch support for board riders which improves the endurance and paddling performance of water sport users, such as surfers, paddle boarders and boogie boarders.

[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel orthopaedic support for board riders which lends support to the user's torso where most needed, such as at the lower back where vertebrae are most sensitive to damage.

[0010] Another object of the present invention resides in providing an arch support for board riders which relieves tension on the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck, by providing at least two and one-half inches of soft supportive cushion material.

[0011] Still another object relates to an orthopaedic support for the back to be worn by board riders which protects shoulders, back and neck from trauma and chronic muscular issues caused by unsupported paddling and arching during the sports activity.

[0013] Still a further object resides in providing an arch support which increases the athlete's average endurance of a sport-session and improves in-session stamina by conserving energy.

[0014] A further object resides in providing an arch support which allows for a wide-range of unobstructed movement by the user through its flexible and light-weight design.

Problems solved by technology

This causes a strain or fatiguing of the lumbar region due to the arch of the back which must be sustained for a relatively long period of time.

Thus, such board riders suffer from chronic back pain, muscle tension, postural imbalance and other nagging problems.

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