Support dorsal

Abstract

The present invention relates to a back support comprising: a frame intended to be positioned at least on the back of a user; means for attaching the frame to the user's torso; and a support bracket fixed to said frame. This support bracket comprises at least four ends, the first two of which are fixed to areas of the frame respectively to the right and left of the user's torso. The support bracket is tiltable relative to the frame such that at least the other two ends of the frame are intended to rest on an external surface to support the weight of the user's torso. Figure 3 illustrates this in the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: Back support technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of physical assistance systems for human body movements, and more particularly to the back support of the torso of an operator when he is required to perform work in a lying, semi-lying or sitting position. Previous technique

[0002] Operators working in prone positions on construction sites are often required to remain in uncomfortable positions, for example, when working on hard-to-reach pipes. Maintaining the body in these uncomfortable positions can lead to occupational illnesses, such as musculoskeletal disorders. Existing solutions do not provide adequate spinal support while allowing operators mobility during their work.

[0003] There is therefore a need to provide suitable equipment allowing support for an operator's torso while allowing freedom of movement. Description of the invention

[0004] To this end, the present invention relates to a back support comprising - a frame intended to be positioned at least on the back of a user, - means for fixing the frame to the user's torso, - a support fixed to said frame, said support comprising at least four ends, of which at least two first are fixed to areas of the frame respectively to the right and left of the user's torso, said support being tiltable relative to the frame so that at least the other two ends of the frame are intended to rest on an external surface to support the weight of the user's torso.

[0005] Thus, the user's torso can rest on a surface thanks to the tilting support. The tilting feature advantageously allows the support's position to be adapted to the operator's position. The support can bear the weight of the user's torso when the user is not standing or lying on the ground, but in a semi-reclined position, for example. This can occur, for instance, when the operator is welding a pipe and is positioned underneath it to weld, in a confined space and in a semi-reclined position, for example, with arms extended. The weight of the torso is then very heavy for the user. The presence of the support device can prevent frequent stops to relieve back pain. The support can advantageously, when placed on an external surface, support the user's back and prevent tension in the back and abdominal muscles, which would occur if the back could not rest on a fixed external surface, such as the ground, a wall, or a rigid oblique surface.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, said support comprises two crutches such as: - the upper end of a first crutch is fixed to one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the right of said user, - the upper end of a second support leg is fixed to one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the left of said user, - a lower end of the first crutch and a lower end of the second crutch being intended to rest on said outer surface to support the weight of the user's torso.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the two crutches are joined together by a crossbar connecting their two lower ends.

[0008] This can advantageously allow the inclination to be adjusted on only one side, the two crutches being joined together.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the back support comprises - an adjustment knob per support positioned between the support and the frame and allowing the inclination of the support relative to the frame.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the back support comprises - a single adjustment knob positioned between the right crutch and the frame or between the left crutch and the frame to allow the tilting and holding in said tilt of the two crutches joined by said crossbar.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the two crutches are telescopic.

[0012] This can advantageously allow adaptation to the height of the operator relative to the ground, particularly in the case where the operator is extended because he is working for example on a pipe far from the ground, or when he is very close to the ground but cannot be completely lying down on the ground.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, said frame comprises two slides extending longitudinally respectively from one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the left side of the user and from one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the right side of the user, - said support comprising two lugs positioned each at one end of said support and intended to slide each in one of said slides so as to position said support in a position between the lumbar region of said user and the shoulder blades of said user.

[0014] Advantageously, the operator can thus choose to move the support for their torso to a low position, near the coccyx, or to a high position, near the shoulder blades. This can advantageously allow them to adapt the position of the support to their posture.

[0015] According to some embodiments, said frame is configured to fit the torso of a user and includes at least two tightening straps intended to press said frame against the torso.

[0016] This can advantageously allow the frame to be adapted to the morphology of the operator and to maintain the frame to the torso, in order to ensure stability of the torso-frame-support assembly.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, said frame comprises three straps, of which: - two of said straps are attached to said frame on the one hand at the level of a part of the frame intended to be positioned at the level of the shoulders of and on the other hand at the level of a part of the frame intended to be positioned under the arms of, respectively to the right and left of the torso, said straps being adjustable in length and intended to each encircle an arm of the user to secure said armor to the upper torso of said user, - a third strap adjustable in length is attached to each of the right and left sides of said frame intended to be positioned at the level of the pelvis of said user, said strap being intended to encircle the belly of said user to secure said armor to the lower torso of said user.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the back support includes a protective skirt attached to said frame by a side extending between said two ends of said support fixed respectively to the right and left of the user's torso, said skirt coming to be positioned under the buttocks of said user when sitting or lying down.

[0019] When the operator works outdoors, particularly on buried networks, they operate in difficult conditions, and the skirt can provide protection against the ground. Indeed, the ground may contain water, mud, and dust, and the skirt can effectively insulate the operator from the ground.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, the support includes a forehead rest, said forehead rest comprising: - a first cushion intended to be positioned in contact with the user's forehead, - a forehead rest fixing support attached by at least two fixing points to said frame, said two fixing points being located respectively on the left and right side of a dorsal part of the frame intended to be positioned near the shoulders of said user, - two length-adjustable straps connecting respectively a right side of said fixing support to a right side of said cushion intended to be located on the right side of the user's forehead and a left side of said fixing support to a left side of said cushion intended to be located on the left side of the user.

[0021] This forehead rest can advantageously allow the operator to rest their forehead on it when working on a worksite in a downward-facing position, such as when working above an object, for example, a pipe. This can relieve neck strain on the user. The forehead rest, in combination with the support positioned on the user's side, can support the entire torso and head of the user when working above the object.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, the back support includes a neck rest, comprising: - a second cushion designed to be positioned in contact with the back of the user's head, - a neck rest attachment bracket attached on one side to a portion of the frame near the user's shoulders, and on the other side to the second cushion.

[0023] The neck rest can also relieve the user's cervical spine when working on a construction site in a position where the user is looking upwards, with the cervical spine extended. The forehead rest, in combination with the support positioned on the user's side, can support the user's entire torso and head when working above the object.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an example of an embodiment without any limiting character. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents an example of a first situation implementing this disclosure,

[0026] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents an example of a second situation implementing the present disclosure,

[0027] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a rear view of a user of a back support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0028] [Fig.4] Fig.4 represents a user's thoracic view of a back support according to a method of implementing this disclosure. Description of the implementation methods

[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a first implementation environment of the present invention allowing understanding of the posture problem of operators and the technical solution provided by the present invention.

[0030] It illustrates in particular a welder welding a pipe located above them. The welder is in an extended position, with their arms raised and their torso resting on the support 2.

[0031] The support 2 attached to the frame 1 is inclined relative to the frame 1 so as to rest on a surface, here vertical, for example a wall, to relieve the user's torso and allow him to rest on the wall via the frame and the support 2.

[0032] Throughout this description, the term "user" is used to refer to either a male or female individual. Therefore, the term "user" can be replaced throughout by "female user." Similarly, the term "operator" is used to refer to either a male or female individual. Therefore, the term "operator" can be replaced throughout by "female operator."

[0033] Optionally, a skirt 3 is positioned under the user's buttocks, preventing direct contact with the ground and protecting them from moisture or soiling. Advantageously, according to the embodiment shown, the frame also includes a neck support 10, further relieving pressure on the operator's cervical spine.

[0034] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a second implementation environment of the present invention, enabling one to understand the posture problem of operators and the technical solution provided by the present invention.

[0035] It illustrates in particular a welder welding a pipe located below him or her. The welder is in an extended position, with his or her arms raised and his or her torso resting on the support 2.

[0036] The support 2 attached to the frame 1 is inclined relative to the frame 1 so as to rest on a surface, here vertical, for example a wall, to relieve pressure on the user's torso and allow them to rest on the ground via the frame and the support 2. Optionally, a skirt 3 is positioned to prevent the operator from coming into direct contact with the ground and to avoid moisture or soiling from the ground. Advantageously, according to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the frame also includes a forehead support 4 which further relieves pressure on the operator's neck.

[0037] Figure 3 represents an embodiment of a back support according to this disclosure. Figure 3 more specifically represents a rear view of the user wearing the back support.

[0038] The back support comprises a frame 1 made of a flexible material that adapts to the user's body shape. This material may, for example, be a fabric, waterproof or not, resistant to abrasion. This frame may also, for example, include padding to provide comfort to the operator, or metal supports.

[0039] The frame is intended to be positioned in close contact with the operator's torso. It may include clamping means allowing it to conform to the operator's torso and adapt to the user's body shape. In certain embodiments, the dimensions of the frame can also be adapted to different body shapes.

[0040] To this end, it may include three straps, of which:

[0041] - two of the straps 5a and 5b are attached to the frame on one side at the level of a part of the frame intended to be positioned at the user's shoulders and on the other hand at a part of the frame intended to be positioned under the user's arms, respectively to the right and left of the torso, the straps 5a and 5b being adjustable in length and intended to each encircle one arm of the user to secure said armor to the upper torso of said user,

[0042] - a third adjustable-length strap 5c is attached to each side The right and left sides of the frame are intended to be positioned at the level of the user's pelvis, the third strap being intended to encircle the user's stomach to secure the armor to the lower torso of the user.

[0043] Preferably, the 5c strap is also adjustable in length to allow the frame to be tightened to the user's torso.

[0044] The means for adjusting the straps may be of the type commonly used to adjust backpack straps.

[0045] The two straps 5a and 5b can also be connected together by a fourth strap adjustable in length located at the level of the user's sternum, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0046] The frame 1 includes a support 2 for supporting the weight of the torso when the user is only supported on their lower limbs and in a semi-reclined position, with the torso not fully or at least partially touching the ground. This type of position is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Since the operator has to support the weight of their torso, maintaining them in such a position is made possible by the support as described in this disclosure.

[0047] The support 2 comprises two supports 2a and 2b such that - an upper end 2a” of a first support 2a is fixed to one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the right of said user,

[0048] - an upper end 2b' ' of a second support 2b is fixed to one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the left of said user,

[0049] - a lower end 2a' of the first crutch and a lower end 2b' of the second crutch being intended to rest on said outer surface to support the weight of the user's torso.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the two crutches are joined together by a crossbar 2c connecting their two lower ends 2a' and 2b'.

[0051] According to some embodiments, a single adjustment knob 6a is positioned between the right support 2a and the frame 1 or a single adjustment knob 6b is positioned between the left support 2b and the frame 1 to allow the tilting and holding in a desired tilt of the two supports 2a and 2b joined by the crossbar 2c.

[0052] According to some embodiments, an adjustment knob 6a, 6b per support is positioned between the support 2a and the frame 1 and between the support 2b and the frame, allowing the inclination of each support relative to the frame. This can be particularly relevant when the surface on which the supports rest is not flat.

[0053] According to certain embodiments, the two crutches are telescopic. This can advantageously allow the distance between the user and the surface on which the support rests to be adjusted. This can advantageously allow the operator to move closer to or further away from the object being repaired or on which they are working, while still allowing them to lean on an external surface.

[0054] The support as shown in [Fig. 3] is located on the user's back, allowing it to be positioned between the back and the external support. This corresponds to a torso support when the user is in the position shown in [Fig. 1].

[0055] The support can also be positioned on the user's abdomen, allowing it to be placed between the front of the torso and the external support. This corresponds to torso support when the user is in the position shown in [Fig. 2]. This embodiment is not shown in [Fig. 3]. The support can be removable to be positioned either on the back or the abdomen. The adjustment knob(s) can be clipped or unclipped to make the support removable and positionable on the front or back of the frame.

[0056] In other embodiments, two support brackets may be provided, one on the front and the other on the back of the frame, while being removable so as not to hinder the operator's mobility.

[0057] The support is made of a rigid material that does not deform or deforms very little in order to support the operator's torso. It can, for example, be made of a hard plastic or a metal.

[0058] Preferably it is also made of a non-slip material, or includes a non-slip outer layer, enabling the parts of the support in contact with the ground, in particular the ends 2a', 2b' and / or the crossbar 2c, to grip well the surface on which they are placed.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the frame 1 comprises two slides 9a and 9b, configured to receive the two supports 2a and 2b, which can thus move along the user's back, from the operator's coccyx (or lumbar region) to the user's shoulder blades. More specifically, the knobs 6a and 6b are configured to slide respectively in the slides 9a and 9b. To this end, each knob may include a lug fixed on one side to the knob and on the other side sliding freely in the slide. They also include means for locking the lug at a desired position (height) in the slide so as to lock the support at the desired height relative to the lower or upper torso. In some embodiments, the tilt adjustment knobs may also serve as locking means for the lug.

[0060] A skirt 3 can also be attached to the frame 1. This skirt can be removably attached to the dorsal or ventral part of the frame, allowing the operator to avoid contact with the ground when looking upwards or downwards, respectively, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The skirt can be made of waterproof fabric, for example, quilted fabric. The skirt is attached between the two supports of the support 2.

[0061] The skirt can be fixed for example by adhesive hook and loop fasteners, by a closure or buttons when it is made of fabric or plastic.

[0062] The frame 1 may also include a forehead rest 4. The forehead rest 4 can advantageously allow an operator to rest their forehead and thus relieve neck strain when they are above the object they are working on, i.e., for example, in the example of [Fig. 2]. In this position, the head is horizontal or nearly horizontal, and the forehead rest advantageously compensates for the weight of the head resting on the forehead rest attached to the frame.

[0063] According to a first embodiment of the forehead rest, also visible in [Fig. 4], it comprises - a first cushion 4a intended to be positioned in contact with the user's forehead - a forehead rest fixing support 4b attached by at least two fixing points to said frame, said two fixing points being located respectively at the level left and right side of a dorsal section of the frame intended to be positioned near the shoulders of the user,

[0064] - two length-adjustable straps 4c and 4d connecting respectively a right side said fixing bracket to a right side of said cushion intended to be located on the right side of the user's forehead and a left side of said fixing bracket to a left side of said cushion intended to be located on the left side of the user.

[0065] The first cushion 4a can be made of fabric or plastic material, and for example padded.

[0066] According to a second embodiment of the forehead rest as shown in [Fig. 5], also visible in [Fig. 4] but from the rear, the forehead rest comprises - a 4b forehead rest fixing support attached by at least two fixing points to said frame, said two fixing points 4b being located respectively on the left and right side of a dorsal part of the frame intended to be positioned near the shoulders of said user,

[0067] - two length-adjustable straps 4c and 4d connecting respectively a right side said mounting bracket 4b to a right side of a helmet worn by an operator and a left side of said mounting bracket to a left side of the helmet worn by the operator.

[0068] Thus, it is the helmet which is kept fixed to the fixing support, preventing the head trapped in the helmet from tipping forward.

[0069] The frame 1 may also include a neck rest 10. The neck rest 10 can advantageously allow an operator to rest their neck and thus relieve cervical strain when they are below the object on which they are working, i.e., for example, in the example of [Fig. 1]. In this position, the head is horizontal or nearly horizontal, and the neck rest advantageously compensates for the weight of the head resting on the neck rest attached to the frame.

[0070] The neck rest 10 includes a cushion 10a intended to be positioned in contact with the back of the user's head, and a neck rest fixing support 10b attached on one side to a part of said frame near the shoulders of said user, and on the other side to said second cushion.

[0071] The support 10b is rigidly attached to the frame 1, for example by means of rivets. It may be made of metal and covered with fabric or plastic to improve user comfort. Similarly, it is rigidly attached to the cushion 10a. It is fixed to the frame 1 in a fixed position.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the support 10b may comprise two sub-parts, a first lower sub-part fixed as previously mentioned to the frame and a second upper sub-part fixed to the cushion. The upper sub-part partially enters the lower sub-part and may partially protrude from it in such a way to adapt the length of the 10b support to the morphology of the terrain and / or the position of the user, making the support telescopic.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the means for attaching the neck rest and / or forehead rest may allow them to be detached or separated from the frame. Thus, if the user is in the position shown in [Fig. 1], they can detach the forehead rest, and if they are in the position shown in [Fig. 2], they can detach the neck rest.

[0074] This can advantageously limit the bulk of the support.

[0075] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 10b and the mounting bracket 4b are one and the same bracket. The straps 4c and 4d can be removed from the mounting bracket 10b and removed from the mounting bracket 10b when the operator is in the position of [Fig. 1].

[0076] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the back support also includes a ventilation and filtration device 8. A conduit 8a connects a face mask to the filtration device 8. The ventilation and filtration system 8 allows the user to protect themselves from toxic fumes that could be generated, for example, by the welding performed by the operator. The ventilation device can be attached to the lumbar region (as illustrated in [Fig. 3]) or to the shoulder blades. It can be attached to the frame by straps, snap fasteners, or any other means of attachment.

Claims

Demands

1. Back support comprising - a frame intended to be positioned at least on the back of a user, - means for fixing the frame to the user's torso, - a support fixed to said frame, said support comprising at least four ends, of which at least two are fixed to areas of the frame respectively to the right and left of the user's torso, said support being tiltable relative to the frame so that at least two other ends of the frame are intended to rest on an external surface to support the weight of the user's torso.

2. Back support according to claim 1 wherein said support comprises two crutches such that: - an upper end of a first crutch is fixed to a side of said frame intended to be positioned on the right of said user, - an upper end of a second crutch is fixed to a side of said frame intended to be positioned on the left of said user, - a lower end of the first crutch and a lower end of the second crutch being intended to rest on said outer surface to support the weight of the user's torso.

3. Back support according to claim 2 wherein the two crutches are joined by a crossbar connecting their two lower ends.

4. Back support according to claim 2 comprising - a kickstand adjustment knob positioned between the kickstand and the frame and allowing the kickstand to be tilted relative to the frame.

5. Back support according to claim 3 comprising - a single adjustment knob positioned between the right crutch and the frame or between the left crutch and the frame to allow tilting and holding in said tilt of the two crutches joined by said crossbar.

6. Back support according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein both crutches are telescopic.

7. Back support according to any one of the preceding claims such that: - said frame comprises two slides extending longitudinally respectively from one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the left side of the user and from one side of said frame intended to be positioned on the right side of the user, - said support comprising two lugs positioned each at one end of said support and intended to slide each in one of said slides so as to position said support in a position between the lumbar region and the shoulder blades of said user.

8. Back support according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said frame is configured to fit the torso of a user and includes at least two tightening straps for pressing said frame against said torso.

9. Back support according to claim 8, wherein said frame comprises three straps, of which: - two of said straps are attached to said frame, on the one hand at a part of the frame intended to be positioned at the user's shoulders and on the other hand at a part of the frame intended to be positioned under the user's arms, respectively on the right and left side of the torso, said straps being adjustable in length and intended to each encircle one arm of the user to secure said armor to the upper torso of said user, - a third adjustable-in-length strap is attached to each of the right and left sides of said frame intended to be positioned at the user's pelvis, said strap being intended to encircle the user's stomach to secure said armor to the lower torso of said user.

10. Back support according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a protective skirt attached to said frame by a side extending between said two ends of said support fixed respectively to the right and left of the user's torso, said skirt coming to be positioned under the buttocks of said user when sitting or lying down.

11. Back support according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a forehead rest, said forehead rest comprising: - a first cushion intended to be positioned in contact with the user's forehead, - a forehead rest attachment support attached by at least two attachment points to said frame, said two attachment points being located respectively at the left and right levels of a dorsal part of the frame intended to be positioned near the shoulders of said user, - two length-adjustable straps connecting respectively a right side of said attachment support to a right side of said cushion intended to be located on the right side of the user's forehead and a left side of said attachment support to a left side of said cushion intended to be located on the left side of the user.

12. Back support according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a neck rest, said neck rest comprising: - a second cushion intended to be positioned in contact with the back of the user's head, - a neck rest attachment support attached on one side to a part of said frame near the shoulders of said user, and on the other side to said second cushion.

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