Back extension backrest

Abstract

A backrest for use with a chair that has a seat and a base. The backrest includes a lower member having a proximal end and a distal end, and upper member attached to the chair at the proximal end. A spring-hinge mechanism pivotally connects the lower member in the vicinity of the distal end to the upper member. A lumbar support is attached to the upper member and the lower member and spans the spring-hinge mechanism. In use a user sitting on the seat may, by anterior flexing of the user's upper back cause the upper member to pivot relative to the lower member from an unflexed position to a flexed position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 170,036, filed Apr. 15, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The present invention relates to backrests for chairs and more particularly to office-chair backrests intended to alleviate back problems associated with prolonged sitting in conventional office chairs.[0004]2. General Background[0005]Back problems and associated back pain are widespread. One-half of all working Canadians admit to having back or neck pain symptoms each year. Back pain is the second most common reason for missed work and visits to the doctors' offices. Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic, meaning they are not caused by underlying medical conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer. Canadians spend billions each year on neck or back pain. Experts estimate that as much a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The backrest has three main purposes: to correct the posture of the one who is sitting; to strengthen the internal muscles associated with spinal support; and to increase circulation up and down the entire spine. This is done by means of the rearward (or anterior) flexing of the upper body while sitting. The backrest flexes, or hinges, from a point midway up the lumbar curve. The backrest foam and fabric cover are not split, but they flex in order to accommodate the motion. The hinged portions of the backrest are spring-loaded, so that they return to the neutral or starting position.

Problems solved by technology

Back problems and associated back pain are widespread.

The ubiquity of computerized workstations has caused an epidemic of neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, and headaches.

It has been found that it takes up to 500 days to force blood flow in and waste products out in those patients who are sedentary and don't or can't do the correct types of motion necessary to cause the desired exchange.

As well, sitting for extended periods in the average office chair often results in a forward-slouching posture, as such chairs tend to motivate and guide poor posture with forward head posture and a collapsed or reversed lumbar curve.

This position puts strain upon the lower back.

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