Back cover to protect the lower back and lumbar area

Abstract

Back cover (1) for protecting the lower back and lumbar area, comprising • a back part (2) made of one or more layers of material, the back part having a greater extent in the longitudinal direction (L) than in the transverse direction (Q), • at least two fastening devices (3) with which the back cover (1) can be fastened to a lower part of clothing, preferably a waistband (20), of a user, characterized in that • the back part (2) has at least two material layers, an inner, body-side material layer (4) and an outer material layer (5), wherein the body-side material layer (4) preferably comprises a breathable material, • the back part (2) has a protective extension (6) which is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction (L) and which extends the back part (2) downwards, • the fastening devices (3) are fastened at different points on the back part (2), wherein preferably at least one fastening device (3) is arranged in the longitudinal direction at each end (7, 8) of the back part (2), and • the back cover (1) is open in the abdominal area (21) and is not designed all the way around.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a back cover for protecting the lower back and lumbar region of a user.

[0002] Clothing, especially work clothing, always has a protective function. To protect the lower back and kidney area, it is common practice to use special devices or items of clothing to protect this sensitive area of the body from cold, drafts, dirt, or mechanical influences. Especially when working outdoors, during manual work, or during sporting activities, there is an increased risk that the lower back area remains unprotected, for example when outer clothing slips or trouser waistbands droop. Craftspeople have the problem that when squatting, sitting, or kneeling, for example, their trousers often no longer fully cover their lower back. This happens especially with frequent up and down movements. This causes air to flow past the lower back, cooling it down, including the muscles and ligaments.The appearance of trousers that sit too low, also known as a bricklayer's neckline, is also not viewed positively.

[0003] Known systems typically comprise simple fabric panels wrapped around the waist as scarves or shawls, as well as special undergarments or belts designed to cover the back area. There are also solutions that integrate elastic bands or textile inserts into existing garments to provide a degree of protection. According to known approaches, back covers are often secured to the user using simple fastening methods, such as tucking them into the waistband or wrapping them around the body. However, these methods often provide insufficient support, especially during movement, and result in the cover slipping or coming loose. The adaptability to different body shapes and garments is also limited with known solutions.

[0004] US 2017 / 0280780 A1 discloses an "Anti-Plumber Crack Shirt" designed to prevent pants from slipping down and to cover the lower back area. Thickened sections are attached to the bottom edge of the shirt, which are tucked under the waistband when worn and act as a wedge, holding the pants in place and preventing the shirt from slipping out. The shirt must be provided in different sizes to accommodate users of different heights and weights.

[0005] There is therefore still a need for improved devices that ensure a secure fit, high wearing comfort and effective protection, and that can be flexibly adapted to different application conditions and users.

[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for protecting the lower back area which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of known systems and which enables improved wearing comfort, optimized adaptability to different body shapes and a reliable protective effect in the lower back and lumbar area while ensuring pleasant air circulation and freedom of movement.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by a back cover for protecting the lower back and lumbar region according to claim 1.

[0008] Further embodiments are the subject of the subclaims or described below.

[0009] According to a special feature of the invention, an article is provided which serves to protect the lower back and lumbar region. This article has a back part which has a greater length in the longitudinal direction compared to the transverse direction. The back cover has at least two fastening devices with which the back cover can be fastened to a user's clothing bottom, preferably a trouser or skirt waistband. The back part has at least two material layers, an inner, body-facing material layer and an outer material layer, wherein the inner, body-facing material layer comprises a breathable fabric which ensures pleasant air circulation and thus an improved wearing comfort. The term "breathable fabric" here refers to a textile material which enables the exchange of air and moisture between the user's skin and the environment.The outer material layer helps to keep out external influences such as wind or moisture. The outer material layer can be made of a textile material, synthetic leather, leather or other suitable material. In the middle area of the back section, a protective extension is provided, which is arranged centrally in the lengthwise direction and extends the back section downwards, whereby additional protection can be achieved, particularly in the area of the coccyx. The fastening devices are arranged at different points on the back section, with at least one fastening device preferably being provided at each end in the lengthwise direction. This enables stable and flexible attachment to a piece of clothing, in particular to trousers. The back cover is designed to be open in the abdominal area, so that it does not completely enclose the body.

[0010] According to the invention, "open in the abdominal area" means that the abdominal area is not covered or enclosed by the back cover material. This means that there is an opening in the front middle section of the body – between the chest and hips – leaving the abdomen completely or partially exposed. This body section is not completely enclosed or covered by the back cover.

[0011] According to the invention, "bottom" of the back cover refers to the area located at the lower edge of the back cover. This is the part farthest from the waistband and oriented toward the feet or floor when worn.

[0012] When worn, the back cover covers the lower back area, with the protective extension extending over the coccyx and covering this area. The sides of the body, particularly the kidney area, can also be at least partially covered by the back section. In one embodiment, the back section covers 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the body circumference and is open in the abdominal area, meaning there is no connection between the two ends of the back section across the abdomen, unlike, for example, a belt, strap, or classic body warmer.

[0013] The back section and the protective extension can each be shaped as a polygon, e.g., the back section as a rectangle or trapezoid, and the protective extension as a rectangle, trapezoid, pentagon, or triangle. The protective extension is shorter than the back section; preferably, the length of the protective extension is only 2 / 3 to 1 / 2 the length of the back section. In one embodiment, the back section has a substantially rectangular basic shape, similar to a short scarf, with a polygon-shaped widening in the middle adjoining the lower edge of the back section, forming the protective extension.

[0014] The open abdominal area allows for easy application without adjustment and ensures a high level of comfort. Pressure on the abdomen or restrictions in the abdominal area are avoided. Even with extended wear or frequent bending or stooping, there is no discomfort in the abdominal area. Another advantage of this product is its improved adaptability to different body shapes and sizes and to movements, while simultaneously ensuring effective protection of the lower back area. Another advantage can be seen in the increased breathability and comfortable fit achieved through the selection of materials.

[0015] The fastening devices can be designed as trouser clips, clips, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or combinations thereof. The fastening devices represent the communication mechanisms or the means of interaction between the back cover and the garment's lower part, in particular the waistband.

[0016] Bottoms are all items of clothing that primarily cover the area from the waist to the legs or feet. Suitable bottoms include trousers, especially work trousers or sports trousers, and skirts.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the back cover has at least four fastening devices, wherein these fastening devices are designed as trouser clips, clips, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or combinations thereof. Trouser clips, such as those used on suspenders, are particularly preferred. Configuring the fastening devices as trouser clips, clips, buttons, or hook-and-loop fasteners opens up a multitude of possibilities for adaptation to different garments and user preferences.

[0018] Trouser clips, for example, allow for particularly quick and easy fastening and removal without damaging the garment or requiring extensive alterations. Clips offer a mechanically stable connection, while buttons are a classic and permanent fastening option, provided the garment has corresponding counterparts. Hook-and-loop fasteners, on the other hand, allow for continuous adjustment and can be easily operated even with gloves or in cases of limited dexterity.

[0019] The variety of possible fastening methods helps ensure that the back cover can be flexibly adapted to different garments and wearing situations, which increases everyday suitability and comfort for the user.

[0020] Increasing the number of fastening devices to at least four ensures improved and more even fixation of the back cover to the user's garment, further reducing slipping or twisting during movement. Another advantage of using at least four fastening devices is that the load and tensile forces acting on the back cover during wear and movement are distributed across multiple points, reducing material stress and increasing the product's service life. The ability to securely fix the back cover in multiple places also ensures that the protective extension and the other areas of the back section always remain in the intended position, and that the lower back and lumbar region are reliably covered, even during intensive movement or when bending over.The communication mechanisms mentioned - i.e. the various fastening devices - therefore make a decisive contribution to ensuring that the back cover is not only functional but also user-friendly and versatile, which is a considerable advantage, especially in the context of changing weather conditions and different types of clothing.

[0021] The back cover is preferably attached to the lower part of the garment, e.g., the waistband, using trouser clips, which allow for detachable and repeatable fastening. The trouser clips are preferably arranged so that a secure fixation is achieved both at the lateral ends of the back cover and in the area of the protective extension. The back cover can thus be reliably held to the lower part of the garment without significantly slipping relative to the lower part of the garment.

[0022] In one embodiment, the back part and the protective extension can be one-piece, possibly even one-piece, and preferably made from the same, continuous layers of material. One-piece means that the combination of back part and protective cover is made from one piece of fabric or layers of fabric, without multiple pieces of fabric being sewn, glued, or otherwise bonded together. One-piece means that the garment consists of one piece, and not of multiple assembled parts. A one-piece design therefore means that the back part and protective extension are not assembled or connected to one another from separate components, but are made as a single piece from the same layers of material, with multiple layers of material lying one on top of the other.The material layers used comprise an inner, body-facing layer made of a breathable fabric and an outer material layer, ensuring comfortable wear, good moisture management, and reliable protection. Continuous, one-piece construction ensures even material distribution and a homogeneous protective effect along the entire back section, including the protective extension, preventing localized weakening or the formation of pressure points at seams or joints. Furthermore, the production of the back cover is simplified, as fewer manufacturing steps and no complex joining techniques are required, which can have a positive impact on production costs and product reliability.A further advantage can be improved durability and longevity, as potential weak points that might occur with assembled components are eliminated. The interaction between the components of the back panel and the protective extension is thus not characterized by mechanical fasteners or transitions, but rather by functional and structural uniformity, which supports an optimal fit of the back cover on the body. Overall, this design can contribute to greater user acceptance, improved protective effectiveness, and increased comfort, especially during extended use or during physical activity.

[0023] The fastening devices can be arranged on the outside, i.e. on the side of the back cover facing away from the user. The outside is understood to be the surface of the back cover facing away from the user's body, while the inside or body-facing side is the surface that rests against the user's back when worn. By arranging the device on the outside, it is ensured that the fastening devices do not come into direct contact with the user's skin or underwear. This offers an advantage in terms of wearing comfort, as possible skin irritations, pressure points or an unpleasant feeling caused by bulky or chafing fastening elements can be avoided. The fastening devices are also easier to access on the outside, which makes attaching and removing the back cover easier and enables intuitive handling.In addition, the visual appearance of the back cover is improved because the fastening devices can be better integrated or concealed from the outside, which is particularly advantageous for fashionable or discreet designs.

[0024] In one embodiment, the back cover has at least four fastening devices, two of which are arranged longitudinally at each end of the back part and at least two in the area of the protective extension. The arrangement of two fastening devices at each end of the back part ensures stable fastening along the lateral regions of the lower back, which can reduce slipping or twisting of the back cover during movement of the user. In addition, at least two further fastening devices are provided in the area of the protective extension. These additional fastening devices in the area of the protective extension enable targeted fixation of the extended zone. The distribution of the fastening devices on the back cover ensures a uniform and flat coupling of the back cover to the garment.Furthermore, the additional fixation in the area of the protective extension can prevent this particularly protective section from folding up or slipping, which is particularly advantageous during physical activity or frequent movement of the user.

[0025] On the body side, the back part can have an inner material layer made of a breathable fabric and an outer material layer made of a hook-and-loop velour fabric. The breathable fabric helps prevent heat build-up and moisture accumulation. The outer material layer made of a hook-and-loop velour fabric represents a special textile surface that is suitable for the adhesion of hook and loop fasteners. The material layers are preferably connected to one another using concealed seams and / or adhesives to ensure a smooth and comfortable surface on the side facing the body. Depending on the material used, the outer material layer and the inner material layer can be connected to one another and to possible intermediate layers using various methods, e.g. sewing, gluing, welding, or a combination of these methods.The Velcro velour fabric can serve as a counterpart for Velcro-based fastening devices, such as the retaining elements, and enables a flexible, removable, and position-variable connection with corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners, which can be attached to the fastening devices or other accessories, for example. The combination of a breathable material layer on the body side and an outer Velcro velour layer thus offers a dual advantage: On the one hand, wearing comfort is increased by the pleasant microclimate next to the skin. On the other hand, the functionality and versatility of the back cover are enhanced by the possibility of easy and flexible attachment to different garments or with additional accessories.

[0026] The back cover is preferably designed to ergonomically adapt to the user's body contours. Accordingly, the back cover can be manufactured in various sizes to adapt to the user's height, body circumference, and clothing size. The material selection and shape of the back cover are designed to ensure a high level of comfort while simultaneously offering effective protection against external influences such as cold or mechanical stress. The back cover can consist of several layers of material, with the inner layer preferably made of a breathable material to prevent moisture buildup and heat buildup. In addition to the outer material layer and the inner material layers, the back cover can also have one or more intermediate layers or padding arranged between the outer and inner material layers.

[0027] The back part can additionally be provided at least partially with an anti-slip element on the inner material layer. The anti-slip element is preferably designed as an interrupted or continuous strip, particularly preferably as an interrupted or continuous rubber lip. The anti-slip element is located on the inside of the back cover and serves to prevent the outer garment worn over it, for example a shirt, sweater or T-shirt, from slipping out. The anti-slip element prevents the outer garment from slipping out of the waistband when bending, sitting or moving, thereby leaving the back area unprotected and exposed to cold or drafts. This offers additional protection for the back area in combination with the back cover.The anti-slip element on the inside specifically increases the friction between the back cover and the outer garment, making it more difficult for the outer garment to slip or slide off. The preferred design, a rubber lip, offers a particularly effective yet flexible solution, as rubber has high static friction and adapts well to the contours of the body without compromising comfort.

[0028] The back cover can also have suspenders that are either detachably or permanently attached to an upper edge of the back section. The term suspenders refers to flexible, length-adjustable straps or belts that serve to guide the back cover over the user's shoulders, thus ensuring additional fixation and improved hold. The suspenders can be designed in a Y-shape, X-shape, or H-shape. A preferred shape is the Y-shape, with two straps running at the front and joining at the back to form one strap. In the X-shape, two straps each run at the front and back and cross at the back. The H-shape has two straps that run parallel and are connected at the back by a horizontal strap. The suspenders can be permanently attached to the back cover, e.g., sewn onto it, or detachably attached, e.g.,With clips that are easily attached to the back panel of the waistband, or with buttonholes that attach to designated buttons on the back panel. The material of the suspenders can vary; for example, elastic bands made of rubber or polyester, leather, or cotton bands can be used. The suspenders are preferably adjustable to allow for individual adjustment to different body sizes and shapes.

[0029] A combination of trouser clips and suspenders ensures high stability and a secure fit. This back cover is designed especially for use during physical labor or outdoor activities where additional protection of the lumbar region is required and frequent movement occurs.

[0030] The suspenders can be permanently connected to the upper edge of the back panel, for example, by sewing, or detachably connected, such as by snap fasteners, hooks, or Velcro fasteners. With suspenders, the forces acting on the back panel are transferred not only via the fastening devices on the garment's bottom, but also via the shoulders. This results in a more even load distribution and prevents the back panel from accidentally slipping or sliding down, especially during dynamic movements or activities where the waistband alone would not provide sufficient support.

[0031] In one embodiment, the back cover has one or more retaining elements, preferably hook-and-loop fasteners, with which objects such as small tools, cell phones, keys, rulers, or pens can be attached to the cover. The retaining elements enable a detachable connection to the outer surface of the back cover. The use of hook-and-loop fasteners enables quick, one-handed, and repeatable attachment and removal of everyday objects typically required during manual or professional activities. The retaining elements are designed to ensure secure fixation without restricting the user's freedom of movement or compromising comfort.

[0032] The back cover according to the invention provides reliable coverage of the lower back area and covers the "bricklayer's décolletage" without exerting pressure on the stomach during extended wear. The back cover can be combined with various garments and allows for flexible use, even when changing clothes.

[0033] The invention is explained by way of example with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 the outside of a back cover in a version with suspenders, Fig. 2 the inside of the back cover Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a back cover worn by a user, Fig. 4 is another perspective view of a back cover worn by a user, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a back cover from the back side worn by a user, and Fig. 6 a perspective view of a back cover worn by a user, attached to trousers.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows the outside of one embodiment of a back cover 1. The back cover 1 comprises a back part 2 which has a greater extent in the longitudinal direction L than in the transverse direction Q. The back part 2 is made of at least two material layers, with the outer material layer 5 being visible here. The back part 2 has a protective extension 6 which is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction L and extends the back part 2 downwards. The protective extension 6 is formed integrally with the back part 2 and consists of the same material layers as the back part 2. A fastening device 3 is arranged at each of the two ends 7 and 8 of the back part 2. In addition, two further fastening devices 3 are provided in the area of the protective extension 6, so that a total of four fastening devices 3 are present. The fastening devices 3 are designed as trouser clips.The fastening devices 3 are thus attached to the outer side of the back cover 1 facing away from the user.

[0035] The back cover 1 is open in the abdominal area and covers the user's back area, including the sides of the body. The upper edge 10 of the back part 2 is provided with two braces 9, which are firmly attached to the back part 2. The braces 9 extend upwards from the ends 7 and 8 and are Y-shaped here.

[0036] The inner material layer 4 of the back part 2 is at least partially provided with an anti-slip element, which is designed as a discontinuous or continuous strip, in particular as a rubber lip. This anti-slip element prevents the outer garment from slipping out and ensures that the back cover 1 fits securely against the body.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows the back cover 1 from Fig. 1 from the inside. The back cover 1 has a back part 2 made of breathable mesh material, a centrally arranged protective extension 6, concealed seams, and several fastening devices 6 in the form of clips at the ends 7 and 8. The central element is the back part 2, which has an inner, body-facing material layer made of a breathable mesh material on the inside. The material layers are connected to each other by concealed seams. The protective extension 6 is integrally connected to the back part 2. An anti-slip strip 11 is arranged on the inside of the back part 2. The anti-slip strip 11 is designed as an interrupted rubber lip.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a back cover 1 that is worn on the body of a user, from the abdominal side of the user. The back cover 1 is positioned in the area of the lower back and lumbar region and has a main extension running in the longitudinal direction. The back cover 1 is fixed to a trouser waistband, indicated only schematically, by means of several fastening devices 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening devices 3 are arranged at the lateral ends 7 and 8 of the back cover 1. The fastening devices 3 are designed as trouser clips. The back cover 1 is open in the abdominal region 21, so that the user's abdomen is not covered and remains free. The back cover 1 is dimensioned to cover and protect the lower back and lumbar region of the user, including the sides of the body. In addition, according to Fig. 3, a pair of suspenders 9 are provided, which are firmly connected to the upper edge 10 of the back cover 1. The suspenders 9 extend from the upper edge of the back cover 1 over the user's shoulders. The connection of the suspenders 9 to the back cover 1 is made at the upper edge, i.e., the top edge of the back cover.

[0039] The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 is intended particularly for use during physically active activities. The combination of back cover 1, fastening devices 3, and braces 9 provides a safe, comfortable, and adaptable protective device.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows another perspective view of the back cover 1 from Fig. 3, which is arranged on the body of a user. It is clearly visible that the back cover 1 is open in the abdominal area 21, so that there is no circumferential design.

[0041] Fig. 5 shows the back cover from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is applied to the body of a user from the back side of the user. The back cover 1 is positioned in the area of the lower back and lumbar region and has a substantially rectangular basic shape with a larger extension in the longitudinal direction (vertical) than in the transverse direction (horizontal). The back part 1 is designed to cover the lower back area and is extended downwards beyond the coccyx by a centrally arranged protective extension 6. The protective extension 6 is formed integrally with the back part 2 and ensures coverage of the coccyx area.

[0042] Two trouser clips 3 are provided on the outside of the back panel 1. The back panel has a pair of suspenders 9 attached to the upper edge 10 of the back panel 1. The suspenders 9 extend diagonally from the upper edge 10 of the back panel 1 over the user's shoulders and cross in the upper back area, where they are joined by a connecting element.

[0043] Fig. shows the back cover made of Fig.5 with a schematic representation of trousers. It can be seen how the back cover is connected to the user's trousers and interacts with them. The trouser clips are arranged to ensure a stable fixation of the back cover 1 to the trousers. For further fixation and to improve wearing comfort, the back cover 1 is provided with suspenders 9. The suspenders 9 are attached to the top of the back cover 1 and extend over the user's shoulders. List of reference symbols 1 back cover 2 back part 3 Fastening device 20 waistband 4 inner, body-side material layer 5 outer material layer 6 Protective process L longitudinal direction Q transverse direction 7 End of the back part 8 End of the back part 9 suspenders 10 Top back part 21 Abdominal area 11 Anti-slip element QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2017 / 0280780 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Back cover (1) for protecting the lower back and lumbar area, comprising • a back part (2) made of one or more layers of material, the back part having a greater extent in the longitudinal direction (L) than in the transverse direction (Q), • at least two fastening devices (3) with which the back cover (1) can be fastened to a lower part of clothing, preferably a waistband (20), of a user, characterized by , that • the back part (2) has at least two material layers, an inner, body-side material layer (4) and an outer material layer (5), wherein the body-side material layer (4) preferably comprises a breathable material, • the back part (2) has a protective extension (6) which is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction (L) and which extends the back part (2) downwards, • the fastening devices (3) are fastened at different points on the back part (2), wherein preferably at least one fastening device (3) is arranged in the longitudinal direction at each end (7, 8) of the back part (2), and • the back cover (1) is open in the abdominal area (21) and is not designed all the way around. [2] Back cover according to claim 1, characterized by that the back cover has at least four fastening devices (3). [3] Back cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the fastening devices (3) are designed as trouser clips, clips, buttons or Velcro fasteners, preferably as trouser clips. [4] Back cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the back part (2) and the protective extension (6) are one-piece and are made from the same material layers throughout. [5] Back cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fastening devices (3) are arranged on the outside, the side facing away from the user. [6] Back cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the back cover has at least four fastening devices (3), two of which are arranged in the longitudinal direction at each end (7, 8) of the back part (2) and two of which are arranged in the region of the protective extension (6). [7] Back cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the back part (2) has an inner material layer (4) made of a breathable fabric on the body side and an outer material layer (5) made of a Velcro velour fabric on the outside. [8] Back cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the back part (2) on the inner material layer (4) on the inside of the back cover additionally has at least partially an anti-slip element (11), preferably in the form of an interrupted or continuous strip, particularly preferably an interrupted or continuous rubber lip. [9] Back cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the back cover (1) additionally has braces (9), wherein the braces (9) are detachably or firmly connected to the upper edge (10) of the back part. [10] Back cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the back cover (1) has one or more holding elements, preferably Velcro elements, with which objects can be attached to the back cover.

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